Jefferson City's Public Transit Advisory Committee has made its first recommendation - to increase transit fares.
The committee, which was created in January and held its second meeting Tuesday, was asked by city staff to consider a fare increase for all transit riders. Transit Division Director Mark Mehmert said the fare increase was already in the 2015 budget, but would need to be considered by the transit committee, the Public Works and Planning Committee, and the City Council before being implemented. It also would require a public hearing before a council decision.
The recommended increase would bring fares for regular routes from $1 to $1.50, while fares for HandiWheels would be raised from $2 to $3. Reduced fare, which is offered for those over the age of 60, people with disabilities and Medicare cardholders, would be increased from 50 cents to 75 cents.
The city estimates the increase would generate about $30,000 in revenue.
Though the committee approved the recommendation, which will go to the Public Works and Planning Committee for review later this month, some committee members and members of the public noted the negative effect it would have on riders.
Committee member Wayne Lee said instituting a 50 percent increase without a change in service would hurt those on fixed incomes, as well as those working low-wage jobs. Because transit service is offered from 6:40 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, many people cannot take the bus to or from work when working non-traditional hours.
"People aren't going to have the money," Lee said.
Lee said increasing fares may decrease ridership and suggested phasing in the increase by starting at $1.25.
Jeannie McGowan, a member of Citizens for JeffTran attending the meeting, said even a 50-cent increase is significant for some people, to the point that it may deter them from riding the bus at all.
"This is really putting a burden on those who can least afford it," McGowan said. "I think we're actually going to decrease ridership."
Fifth Ward Councilman Larry Henry said if that's the case, they may need to go back to square one, as the fare increase is only meant to help cover the existing costs of providing the service.
"This is just to maintain what we already have," Henry said. "We're just trying to catch up."
Committee Chair Ann Bax, who also serves as president of the United Way of Central Missouri, said she reached out to several United Way agencies who said a fare increase would be a "tremendous burden" on those they serve.
But after discussion, several committee members also pointed out the budgetary concerns of the transit system, which is dependent upon a nearly $1 million subsidy from the city's general fund. Those concerns led the committee to approve the recommended increase, along with a consideration to institute some type of one-day pass to help combat the negative effects of a fare increase.
The Public Works and Planning Committee is expected to take up the issue at its May 21 meeting. If approved, it would go to the full City Council in June, when a public hearing would be held on the proposal.