French bus operators are raising alarms over worsening financial conditions, pointing to rising fuel prices, a slowdown in tourism and occasional travel, and a lack of government support. Christophe and Arnaud Seyfritz, leaders of Voyages Seyfritz in eastern France, have expressed their frustration, saying the sector feels neglected despite repeated warnings. Ingrid Mareschal, general delegate of FNTV, described the situation as "very complicated," noting the impact of increased fuel costs, reduced economic activity, and the difficulty employees face in affording fuel to commute, which has led to more sick leave. The fuel crisis has been called "the too much crisis" by some in the industry, with some companies already in dire straits. Mareschal mentioned that some firms are undergoing judicial liquidation, and the combination of these factors has led to a significant drop in activity since March. The prolonged crisis has left the sector feeling pessimistic, with FNTV representatives noting that companies are struggling with slashed profit margins and dwindling cash reserves. Bus operators are hesitant to raise prices because of the risk of losing customers, a challenge similar to what the airline industry has faced. Many companies operate under public service delegation (DSP) contracts or public markets, which include cost review clauses every six months or annually. However, these mechanisms are not always enough, especially for services related to sports associations and schools, where cancellations are on the rise. Operators are trying to diversify their revenue, but skepticism about government aid is growing. Recent financial support, such as a one-time grant of 5,000 euros per company for specific months, has been seen as insufficient given the sharp rise in costs. Mareschal criticized the aid's eligibility criteria, saying they don’t match the sector’s needs. The government has cited budget limits as a reason for its limited ability to provide more help, with some aid for fishermen reportedly coming at the expense of road transporters. FNTV is pushing for legal changes that would allow bus operators to pass on rising costs, which can be as high as 50%. However, such changes would require new legislation, and talks with the government are ongoing. The sector is also dealing with new requirements, like energy audits due in October, which are seen as expensive. Mareschal said the industry feels increasingly hindered, with "sticks in the wheels" being added daily.