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Chattanooga: CARTA proposes bus fare increases

By: Yolanda Putman
(Contact)

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Tom Dugan and Steve Jett

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority is proposing to increase bus fares from $1.25 to $1.50 to keep up with rising fuel prices.

“We’re facing a $400,000 shortfall this year,” Tom Dugan, CARTA’s executive director, said Thursday at the authority’s board meeting. “This is the worse financial situation I’ve seen in 30 years. We’re going to look at everything from top to bottom.”

Public hearings have been scheduled for bus riders and others interested to discuss the proposed increases. The hearings will be held at the Sheraton Read House in the Bessie Smith Room on May 22 at 6 p.m., May 23 at 4 p.m. and May 24 at 1 p.m., Mr. Dugan said.

The good news is that the number of bus riders is increasing, officials said.

“Ridership is booming,” said Steve Jett, board chairman. “But it’s getting harder to service them.”

The problem is increasing diesel fuel prices, Mr. Dugan said. For every penny the fuel increases, that’s an additional $5,000 expense for CARTA. The fuel has increased at least a dollar since this time last year, he said.

“Diesel fuel is killing us,” Mr. Dugan said.

He said other proposed increases include replacing a $40 monthly pass with a 31-day pass for $50 and replacing 25 cent transfers with 24-hour passes that enable an adult to ride the bus for 24 hours for $4. The price is $2 for students and seniors.

“No one likes to pay more, but people are very concerned about continuing service,” Mr. Dugan said.

He suggested that shuttle services be considered first if any service cuts are necessary.

“I would hate to cut somebody’s way to work,” he said. “We’re at the point of creating a list of potential options. Increase revenue or reduce expenses.”

CARTA officials also suggested trying to get shuttle sponsors that would pay to advertise their names on the bus.

Board member and Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey said he will continue to “preach” CARTA ridership wherever he goes.

New token machines that can handle the necessary “touch cards” will be installed on the buses if the fare increase is improved, Mr. Dugan said.

It would be the first time the token machines have been replaced in 16 years, CARTA director of technology Kirk Shore said.

CARTA officials also are proposing to increase the round-trip Incline Railway fee from $13 to $14.

If approved by the authority’s board, the fare increases will go into effect June 30.

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