Columbia para-transit riders could see fare increase

The city is proposing raising its rate for para-transit services by $1 to help offset its transportation budget.

Drew Brooks, the city’s transit and parking manager, presented the department’s budget to the Disabilities Commission Thursday.

City manager Mike Matthes has proposed the Transportation Department cut $558,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.

Brooks explained Thursday the department is over budget by about $300,000 in personnel costs citing high turnover and training costs.

Some proposed cuts include cutting three fixed bus routes with low ridership and increasing rates for para-transit riders.

The proposal would increase fees from $2 to $3. Brooks said the department is expecting the increase to bring in $50,000 in revenue.

He said the para-transit service provides about 57,000 rides a year. The increase would likely decrease ridership, Brooks explained.

The last time city council approved a rate increase for the city bus system was in 2011. However, para-transit rates did not go up.

The department is also proposing cutting bus services for events like Roots N’ Blues and the True/False Film Festival. Brooks said that would save the department about $20,000.

The city council will hold its first public hearing on the proposed budget on August 21. Brooks is encouraging people who may be affected by the cuts to attend.