Fuel and travel costs spike, leaving LI seniors, commuters and travelers struggling
Pronto of Long Island has seen a 23% increase in seniors coming in for help in the last month. They say some are having a harder time getting to the pantry.
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Gas prices are continuing to spike across Long Island, and it's still impacting people's daily lives, commutes, travel plans and even how some get to their local food bank.
Pronto of Long Island has seen a 23% increase in seniors coming in for help in the last month. They say some are having a harder time getting to the pantry.
"Sometimes because of not having the funds to be able to get a taxi or, you know, for gas. Everything's going up," says program director at Pronto Millie Colom. "If we have a senior that really can't get here, she's sick, we'll do the deliveries. But we take that among our staff, our staffs personally use their vehicles to go and deliver to a senior or deliver to a mother that needs it for her children."
On Friday, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas was $4.35, which is up 33 cents up compared to this time last week.
Travel plans are also being impacted. Experts say airfare is up 30% this year.
"With the prices being raised for bags and just overall, airline prices being higher right now, we are seeing demand drop a little bit right now," said Matthew Kondrup, owner of the Matty K Travel Group.
Experts say people are now exploring other options.
"We're seeing a lot of people actually looking at the options of taking the train, doing Amtrak, train down to Florida," Kondrup said.
Some Long Islanders say it's affecting their commutes and daily lives. Some say they have been trying to cut back on expenses anywhere they can as a result.
"I don't go out like I used to before. I try to stay home and not spend my money," Bay Shore resident Eliecer Majano said.
"I don't go out because prices if you go out, you're going to have to gas, drink, food and then entertainment is going up," Islip resident James Lestin said.
