The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has proposed a 25 percent increase in fares and pass prices, in addition to route cutbacks, all to begin July 1.
The Springfield-based PVTA was advised by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to expect level funding of approximately $80.4 million. This creates a budget deficit of $3.1 million for the 2019 fiscal year, and the PVTA is unable to maintain current service levels, prompting the proposals.
As reported by MassLive, PVTA wants to charge a $5 premium fare for Americans with Disabilities Act and senior van trips outside of the federally required three-quarter-mile distance from a bus route.
Route cutbacks affecting Amherst include extending “reduced service” periods, decreasing the frequency of buses and eliminating poor-performing routes.
Additionally, the proposal includes regular five percent fare hikes every three years to accommodate future fiscal changes.
Read the complete article at https://dailycollegian.com/137405/news/pvta-proposes-fare-increase-and-route-cutbacks/
