TriMet diesel fuel costs surge amid Iran war, but fares won’t rise
Rising fuel prices related to the war in Iran significantly increase TriMet’s operating costs. The agency now pays about $165,000 more per week to operate its buses.
TriMet uses approximately 103,000 gallons of fuel each week for its fixed-route bus service.
“Since we process about 103,000 gallons of fuel per week for our fixed-route buses, that adds up pretty quickly,” TriMet spokeswoman Tia York said.
As of the week ending April 18, TriMet is paying about $1.65 more per gallon for R99 renewable diesel compared to the end of February. This translates to approximately $169,000 in additional weekly costs. The increase is down slightly from the previous week, when higher prices pushed additional costs to about $222,000.
“We’re still paying a lot more for fuel than we were about a month ago,” York said.
TriMet switched from B5 biodiesel to R99 renewable diesel in late 2021. The fuel typically costs about nine cents more per gallon but offers operational and environmental benefits.
“R99 is the equivalent of diesel fuel, which is really great for our maintenance costs,” York said. “R99 is not only better for the environment, it produces far fewer carbon emissions and much cleaner air.”
According to TriMet, switching to R99 reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its fixed-route bus fleet by about 65 percent and significantly reduced tailpipe emissions, which York said has improved air quality in the region. The agency operates more than 600 buses every day.
To help offset the recent spike in fuel prices, TriMet’s board last month approved a $3 million transfer to cover projected budget shortfalls. The agency estimates that the funding will last approximately three months under current conditions.
Despite the rising costs, TriMet officials said riders would not have to cover the increased expenses.
“TriMet will not increase its rates,” York said. “While many companies are raising prices or passing the fees on to their customers, TriMet rates will remain the same during this fuel crisis.”
York said fuel is a necessary cost of doing business for a transit agency and that TriMet is choosing to absorb the increase rather than pass it on to riders.
