MTU suggests increasing bus fares

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Apr 16, 2005 | by Kent, Joan

Florence Palmer, who rides MTU buses on a monthly pass for disabled people, said a proposed fare hike would mean a lot to her, since she's on fixed income.

But others waiting for buses by the U.S. Post Office on State Street said Friday afternoon they wouldn't object to the increase, from 90 cents to $1.25 for the standard adult fare, recommended Friday by the Municipal Transit Utility Board.

"Compared to taking a cab for $10, it's a good deal," said Dayn Howe, who rides the bus to the Valley View Mall area where he works. "The buses are on time and reliable."

The increase is a lot more than the 2004 increase, which was only a nickel, noted rider Debbie Guerrero. "They've never done an increase like this, but it's still OK. You can get everywhere. I use the buses for everything - work, shopping and friends' houses."

Transit manager Keith Carlson proposed the increases, along with some cuts in service, to deal with a $100,000 shortfall.

MTU's recommendation will be considered in an MTU public hearing to be set in the first week of May and at the LaCrosse Common Council May meetings.

If approved, the new fares would go into effect June 1.

In addition to increasing fares, the board recommended increasing the U-Pass rates charged for UW-L and Viterbo university students because these contracts are up soon. Both would increase $3 per semester - UW-L's from $8.84 to $11.84 and Viterbo's from $3.51 to $6.51. UW-L's charge is more because it has more services, including the Safe Ride bus to and from downtown La Crosse on weekend nights.

Under the MTU recommendation, the trolley loop tour of downtown, Myrick Park and Old Towne North would not operate this summer. Instead, the trolley would be shifted to a regular route.

Other proposals included:

* Reducing Saturday service by three hours, from 7:40 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. to 9:40 a.m. to 6:40 p.m.

* Reducing Sunday service by three hours, from 7:40 a.m. to 6:40 p.m to 10:40 a.m. to 6:40 p.m.

* Ending service on the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve day.

* Cutting the marketing budget.

Carlson gave the board another option - to reduce the hours of weekday service. But the board declined after Dale Anderson, a bus driver who is transit union president, said many riders depend on the weekday service to get to work and appointments.

PROPOSED BUS FARE INCREASES

Current Proposed

Adult, 90 cents ...... $1.25

Tokens, 10/$8.50 ... 10/$12

Monthly pass, $26 .. $30

Youth, 75 cents ...... $1

Tokens, 10/$7 ......... 10/$9.50

Monthly pass, $16 .... $18

Senior, 45 cents ........ 60 cents

Monthly pass, $17 ..... $20

Disabled, 45 cents ..... 60 cents

Monthly pass, $17 ..... $20

ADULT BUS FARES IN OTHER CITIES

Beloit ............. $1.00

Eau Claire ....... $1.00

Food du Lac .... $1.10

Green Bay ....... $1.25

Janesville ........ $1.00

Kenosha .......... $1.00

Madison ........... $1.50

Manitowoc ........ $1.50

Oshkosh ............... .50

Racine ............... $1.25

Sheboygan ......... $1.50

Appleton ............. $1.25

Waukesha ........... $1.25

Wausau ............... $1.00