METRO raises bus fares
By Tom Bell tbell@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
Bus passengers in Portland, Falmouth and Westbrook will pay 20 percent more for a full fare bus rides starting on April 1. However, officials have scaled backed proposed increases for 10-ride tickets and monthly passes.
The directors of Greater Portland Transit District Metro voted today unanimously to approve a 2010 budget that includes the fare increases as well as increased taxpayer subsidy of 3.4 percent.
The changes are aimed at closing a projected budget shortfall of nearly $300,000.
The full fare will increase from $1.25 to $1.50, and the monthly pass from $37.50 to $40. The board had originally proposed increasing the monthly pass to $45. But the board today voted 5-2 to lower the increase.
The League of Young Voters, which urged supporters to attend public hearings, argued that keeping the cost of the monthly pass affordable would make it easier to increase ridership among commuters.
“We applaud the Metro board for voting the right way,” said Hilary Frenkel, field organizer for the League.
There are roughly 1,100 people who have monthly passes.
The 10-ride ticket will increase from $11 to $13.50. The original proposal would have increased it to $14.
The board also increased the subsidy from the three-member communities by more than $92,000.
Portland will pay $2,302,233, an increase of $74,901.
Westbrook will pay $370,044, an increase of $12,021.
Falmouth will pay $127,486, an increase of $5,548.
Metro is the largest provider of public transportation in Maine. It has eight bus routes serving Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth and the Maine Mall area. Annually, the service provides about 1.5 million one-way trips.
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8 COMMENTS
smarty said...
Well, this will certainly increase ridership, especially among the poor and elderly. And the 'middle class' is sure to be on board with this as it insures the the "lowlifes" would be able to afford to take the bus. Jeesh!
February 24, 2010 at 2:34 PM Report abuse
smarty said...
oops, make that 'won't be able'
February 24, 2010 at 2:36 PM Report abuse
gendow said...
What a shame. These kinds of short-sighted moves take us backwards. An extra 25 cents per trip is a huge price increase for those who can, as usual, least afford it. While I am glad that at least the monthly pass didn't increase as much as projected, that's very little comfort. There's got to be a way to fund and support public transportation. It's especially egregious to have these kinds of increase without giving riders anything in return for their increased investment. Buses will still be late, waiting times will still be long. Sigh. All I can say is, again, what a shame.
February 24, 2010 at 5:40 PM Report abuse
Tman said...
The increases are extremely minimal at best considering all other factors. Metro is still a great deal and a bargain for those who truly and regularly use it!
February 24, 2010 at 7:31 PM Report abuse
EllenW said...
This is the first Metro fare increase in 4 years. The price of fuel, maintenance and the cost of providing health benefits to employees have skyrocketed in the past 4 years and I am surprised that 1) they were able to hold off on increases this long and 2) that the increases are so small. The management team for this public transportation system is to be commended for doing such a good job in keeping costs down!
February 25, 2010 at 6:39 AM Report abuse
LordNelson said...
I am sure you big govt types can develop some kind of "benefit" to defray the added cost somehow...money is created after all by your votes...right?
February 25, 2010 at 8:50 AM Report abuse
crackhead said...
HOPE and CHANGE!
February 25, 2010 at 11:43 AM Report abuse
nikonwilly said...
At what point will be be able to afford...NOTHING? America, the once great nation was taxed into oblivion today at .....
February 25, 2010 at 12:27 PM Report abuse