Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 30, 1990 TAG: 9005300391
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In July, Valley Metro's regular one-trip fare will increase from 75 cents to $1, and the discount fare for elderly and handicapped passengers will increase from 35 cents to 50 cents.
The student fare will go to 50 cents, up from 40 cents. And the cost for a monthly pass that provides an unlimited number of rides will increase from $25 to $28.
City Council approved the fares Tuesday as part of a $2.9 million budget for Valley Metro for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Earlier, the bus company also had proposed elimination of free transfers between buses, but council voted to retain free transfers.
Councilman Howard Musser, chairman of the Valley Metro's budget committee, said the higher fares are needed because costs have increased and the subsidies required keep increasing.
"We are always reluctant to raise fares because we may lose some riders when we do it, but this is still a good deal for passengers because taxpayers provide an average subsidy of $2 for every trip," said Councilman Robert Garland.
Fares provide about one-third of the revenue for Valley Metro's $2.9 million budget. About two-thirds - $940,000 - comes from federal government subsidies; $746,000 comes from the state; and $224,000 is provided by the city.
Part of the revenue from the higher fares also will be used to help pay for 15 new buses to replace 14-year-old vehicles that have traveled 500,000 miles each.
Despite the higher fares, passengers who use the buses regularly can save money if they buy several new types of weekly passes that will be offered:
An $8 weekly pass for regular adult passengers. It will replace the 10-ride ticket now offered for $7.
A $4 weekly pass for elderly and handicapped passengers. It will replace the 10-ride ticket now offered to elderly and handicapped passengers for $3.25 for trips between 9 a. m. and 3 p. m. Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday. The $4 weekly pass will allow elderly and handicapped passengers to take an unlimited number of trips each week and ride the bus at any time.
A $14 monthly pass for elderly and handicapped passengers that will allow them to take an unlimited number of trips.
A $4 weekly pass for students. The weekly student pass will allow students to take an unlimited number of trips.
A monthly pass providing unlimited trips will continue to be offered, but the cost would increase from $25 to $28.
Also Tuesday, council approved a $2 increase in the monthly parking rates at three of the city's parking garages downtown.
The monthly rates will be raised at Campbell Court from $38 to $40; Market Square Garage, $46 to $48; and Williamson Road Garage, $38 to $40.
by CNB