Bloomington Transit might raise bus fares by quarter for adults

Bloomington Transit bus riders will have to reach deeper into their wallets if a proposed bus fare increase passes next month. \nThe Bloomington Transit Board of Directors will vote on a fare increase Nov. 27. If the bill passes, cash fares for adult riders will increase from 75 cents to $1, while reduced fares for seniors, children and people with disabilities would increase from 35 cents to 50 cents. The monthly unlimited adult pass would jump from $25 to $30, while the reduced monthly pass would increase from $12 to $15. \nThe price increases, if approved, would go into effect Jan. 7. \nGeneral Manager Lewis May said the fare increase comes as a result of rising expenses throughout the company. Specifically, he said the agency has to raise fares to combat rising fuel, labor and insurance expenses. \n“It really was inevitable,” he said, of the increase. “Our fuel cost has skyrocketed from 50 cents a gallon in ‘96 to $2.50 a gallon in 2007.”\nThis is the first fare increase for the transit agency since July 1996 and only the second one in the past 28 years, May said. \n“We’ve been fortunate that this is only our second increase for the past 28 years,” he said. “I think we’ve had a good track record.”\nSome bus riders agree. \nKen Traylor, a disabled veteran who has to ride the bus because his epilepsy prohibits him from driving a car, said the increase wouldn’t have a big impact on him.\n“It won’t hurt (me) that much,” he said. “And if the transit needs it, I understand.”\nTraylor rides the bus three times a day and gets a reduced fare.\nHe said that he uses the monthly pass and will stick with it if the fare increase takes place. \nPeople can voice their opinions on the matter at two public hearings at the Monroe County Public Library. The first will be held at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 7 while the second will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8. Concerned riders may also write or e-mail comments to the transit company at customer@kiva.net by Nov. 20.\nMay said he hopes the increase in fares will not deter people from riding the bus. He pointed out that riders will save money by using a monthly pass, and he said the bus ride is still a relatively good deal. \n“When you think about it,” he said, “a dollar for a bus ride around town – I mean anything for a dollar – I think it’s still one of the best bargains out there.”