OH: Greater Cleveland RTA postpones fare increases yet again

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority postponed yet again fare increases that were part of a multi-phase plan originally adopted in 2016. 

The plan called for bus and Rapid fare increases in 2016 and 2018 and paratransit increases in four straight years beginning in 2016.

The 2016 bus, Rapid and paratransit fare increases went through as did the 2017 paratransit fare increase, but since then the RTA board has postponed all future planned increases.

A resolution passed by the board postponed the next bus and Rapid fare increases to 2021 and the next paratransit fare increases to 2021 and 2022, despite the agency projecting lost revenues due to the coronavirus crisis.

The resolution states that the board wants more time to “allow for full consideration” of studies it has undertaken that include examinations of fare equity, system re-design and economic impact.

Board Chairman Dennis Clough added another reason during the meeting. He said the board indicated a year ago that it would probably increase fares “but based on the circumstances over the last year we have decided not to do that and that’s what this resolution does it delays any fare increase.”

___

(c)2020 The Plain Dealer, Cleveland

Visit The Plain Dealer, Cleveland at www.cleveland.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.