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City Council President Seeks $1 Riding Fee For Charm City Circulator

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- The Charm City Circulator could soon be adding a fee for their riders.

Tracey Leong has the story on why it may not be free anymore.

Each year, it costs the city $7 million to operate the Charm City Circulator. A majority of that comes from the city parking tax that was increased in 2008. Now the City Council president is hoping riders could pick up the tab.

Riders choose the Charm City Circulator for many reasons. It operates seven days a week, covers four routes in Baltimore in a timely manner and, above all else...

"It's free," said Sedaya Moore.

"Number one, it was free," said Clarence Knox.

The Charm City Circulator welcomes four million riders a year; 85% of them live in Baltimore City.

"Probably twice a week," said Russell Maxwell.

"Six days a week," said Andrew Yarbor.

"I catch the Orange to the Purple and get to work and save on car fare," said Vida Hill.

A popular service connecting Baltimoreans---and now the City Council president is hoping to add a fare.

"Other communities are saying, `Hey, why can't we have that service, too?' and my idea is that if we charge a dollar fee, we can expand it to other areas of the city, too," said Jack Young.

An idea that not all riders are on board with, saying it takes the Charm out of the Circulator.

"Extra cash out of your wallet," Maxwell said.

"I probably would walk because I don't have no income," said Yarbor.

For those who welcome the fee, they say it's still cheaper than other modes of transportation.

"The regular bus is a dollar and 60 cents or $3.50 for all day pass so a dollar is reasonable," Hill said.

"It's just a dollar. That's four quarters," Moore said.

"I love the Circulator and would still ride it," said Randy Mason.

A hearing date has not been set yet for this proposal. There will also be a discussion to provide a discount to senior riders and students.

A similar bus, the DC Circulator, also started out free and now charges a dollar. The council president says they have set a good model for Baltimore to follow.

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