TRANSIT AUTHORITY

TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Fares going up
Western Reserve Transit Authority board took the following action Thursday:
Voted to increase fares, effective June 1. Board President Michael Bosela said the board tried not to raise fares but had to face economic reality. Members have said loss of funding and increases in insurance, diesel fuel and natural gas could result in a deficit as great as $1.5 million.
* Student fares will continue to be 75 cents, and the cost of student coupon books will remain the same at $35 for 50 tickets. Zone fares will be free.
* Adult coupon books will increase by $12.50, from $50 to $62.50 for each book of 50 tickets. Other changes in pass fares include a $6 increase in adult passes from $32 to $38, and a $3 increase in passes for elderly and disabled riders from $16 to $19 per month.
* Adult fares will increase 25 cents from $1 to $1.25 Fares for the elderly and disabled will increase 10 cents, from 50 cents to 60 cents.
* Transfers, currently free, will be 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for elderly and disabled riders. Trolley fares, currently 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for elderly and disabled riders, will be 30 cents and 15 cents respectively.
Special service fares, currently $1, will be $2. There will be a new special service option of a monthly pass for $38.
Authorized the executive director to seek bids for purchase and installation of a new brake lathe for the bus garage, to replace the one currently in use that is 16 years old. Marianne Vaughn, secretary-treasurer, said 80 percent of the cost will be paid with a federal grant.
The Rev. Edward Noga, board member, said the board is still studying placing a sales tax request before voters to help fund the transit authority operations. He said although service cuts are still being considered as a cost-saving measure, night bus service is secure through the end of the year. Vaughn said Eastgate Regional Council of Governments helped secure a $680,000 federal ridership grant that will keep night buses running.
Vaughn also said WRTA and the Amalgamated Transit Union are scheduling negotiations. The ATU represents 61 full- and part-time bus drivers. The union's contract expires June 30.