While declining gas prices are good news for drivers, planning for the ever-fluctuating price of fuel isn't always easy for local transit authorities.

Officials in Weirton said they must plan their fuel budgets at least a year in advance, which is not an easy task.

At the Weirton Transit Corp., administrators said that they increased their budget from about $45,000 to $59,000 for the 2011 budget, but they went over that amount by about $10,000.

Because of that, officials are looking for ways to cut back. They said changes won't include fare hikes or switching regular routes, but it will most likely affect home pickups and curb-to-curb services.

Officials said they don't expect the changes to influence frequent riders.

"Ridership, at least here, is on the increase," said Weirton Transit Manager Kevin Beynon. "We've had a fantastic year this past year. We probably were up about 9,000 people in ridership just here in Weirton. So, the need is there. The people definitely need the transportation."

When asked how the transit authority will be affected now that gas prices are on the decline, officials said they hope it will allow the agency to replenish the budget and restore cut services.

With regard to any concern that people may start driving personal cars now that gas is less expansive, officials said once riders see the accommodations of the transit authority, they keep coming back.