news-record.com

GREENSBORO — It’s going to cost more to ride a Greensboro bus starting Wednesday.

One-way fares on Greensboro Transit Authority buses for adults will increase from $1.20 to $1.30. The student and senior rates will increase 5 cents to 85 and 65 cents, respectively. The rate for disabled residents and Medicaid and Medicare recipients will also increase 5 cents to 65 cents.

A 10-cent increase to ride the city bus is reasonable, said Regina Talarico. It’s not so much of an increase that frequent riders like herself can’t afford it.

“I think it’s fair, providing it doesn’t go up anymore,” she said, while waiting at the bus depot Thursday afternoon.

Children 5 years old and younger and transfers will continue to ride for free, and the career express fares will remain $2.

Libby James, Greensboro’s public transportation manager, said the number of people riding buses, particularly in the evenings, continues to increase. That’s a reason why the City Council increased GTA’s funding for the coming year’s budget, she said.

The GTA board and the City Council approved a fare increase three years ago that called for a 10-cent base fare increase each of those years, James said.

She said riders can also expect additional services that should make the bus system more user-friendly, including expansion of the extended evening service and the installation of more bus shelters at some of the city’s busier boarding spots.

Many regular bus riders said Thursday that the increase is not only manageable, but worth the ride. “I can’t drive, so that’s my transportation,” said David Sanders.

Sanders said the rise in rates was to be expected, given the cost of fuel. “Everything’s going up,” he said. “Gas, food, everything.”

Norma Faust said she rides the bus two to three times a week and finds it both comfortable and convenient. “Most of the time, they’re on time,” she said.

But Mark LeMere, who recently bought a 31-day unlimited ride pass for $22.50, said the service isn’t worth even a minimal increase. LeMere, a 16-year-old student at GTCC, said the drive from his house near Four Seasons Mall to the college is about 15 minutes. But he said it takes him two buses and more than an hour to make the trip on the bus, and one of those buses is always packed.

LeMere said he doesn’t have to be in class until 11 a.m., but gets to the bus stop at 9 a.m., “just because most of the time it’s late.”

Other new rates that will become effective in July include the one-day unlimited ride pass, which will increase 25 cents to $3.50 for adults, and 15 cents to $1.75 for senior citizens. The rate increased to $1.75 for people with disabilities and Medicaid and Medicare recipients.

For a complete listing of rates, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/gta.

Contact Jonnelle Davis at 627-4881, Ext. 126, or jonnelle.davis@news-record.com.