Annapolis To Increase Fares On Transit System
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A ride on the Annapolis Transit system costs $1 for passengers. But that rate may soon go up, if the city approves a new proposal.
Gigi Barnett takes a look at the new rate and how the city will use the additional income.
Two months ago, Annapolis city leaders revamped their transit system after some customers complained about it.
"We want to go to work and get to places on time. We can never make it," said a transit rider.
So the city added new lines, better buses and more transfer stops. In February, it may cost riders more to get on -- 50 cents more to be exact -- if county leaders approve a new plan to hike the rate.
"The fact is, it was past due. Our fare was way below market value," said Richard Newell, Annapolis Transit System Director.
Newell says the increased rate from $1 to a $1.50 will also pay for a planned circulator near the State House, and that could attract riders who usually drive.
"It is very important to us that we service the transit-dependent very effectively, but we also want people like you and me, who have an option. We want to provide the kind of service that will make you say, 'I don't need my car to go that distance,'" said Newell.
The city says it considered a number of options before deciding what to eliminate from the transit system. One idea that was nixed was changing the bus start times from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
The rate is set at $1 now, but Annapolis must pay for 40 percent of the transit service using passengers. The city says a rate hike is the only way to do that.
