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Valley Regional Transit Proposes 50% Increase For Bus Fares

Darin Oswald/ Idaho Statesman

Valley Regional Transit, or VRT, is looking to increase bus fare by 50% this summer. That will raise the price of a ride from $1.00 to $1.50.

 

VRT manages public transit in Ada and Canyon counties.

Mark Carnopis with VRT says this is the first increase in fares in 16 years. Carnopis says the current fare only covers about 8% of operating costs. 

In addition to the fare changes, VRT is also proposing the elimination of employer monthly bus passes. He says these changes will lead to a more straightforward and sustainable transit system. 

“Fares should be as simple as possible which is why we are reducing the number of categories for fare options for folks and the fares should also cover as much of the operating cost as possible,"  says Carnopis.

The public will have two chances to learn about and comment on the proposal this week. The first one will take place Tuesday night at the Nampa Public Library and the second will be Wednesday at the Collister Branch of the Boise Library. Both will begin at 5:00 p.m. with an information session. Public comment begins at 6:30 p.m. 

For more local news, follow the KBSX newsroom on Twitter @KBSX915

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