Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority considering flat fare for all riders

The article has been changed to clarify that the Cape Girardeau Area Transit Authority has received a grant of $100,000 the past two years from the Cape Girardeau County Senior Citizens' Services Fund Board to help reduce out-of-pocket costs to riders.

Seniors, disabled people and students could soon pay slightly more for a ride on the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority fixed-route buses that run in Cape Girardeau.

Transit authority executive director Tom Mogelnicki is proposing that all riders pay one fare for the service. But before the rate becomes official, the authority will hold a public hearing April 13.

The proposed fare is $1. Currently, seniors, disabled people and students pay 75 cents for riding the county's public transportation, while the rest of the public pays $1.50.

Mogelnicki said transit authority bus drivers do not keep coins to make change and that establishing a round dollar amount makes it simple for all riders.

"We've been thinking of doing this for a couple of months, and after analyzing the topic we believe this will be the best choice," Mogelnicki said. "By charging one flat rate it will be easier for everyone."

If approved after the public hearing, the rates could go into effect the day after the public hearing, scheduled for 8 a.m. at the transit authority office, 937 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. Any comments on the matter should be mailed to the office, Mogelnicki said.

Ridership on its fixed-route buses so far this year has been between 650 and 700 a week, compared to 500 this time period in 2009, Mogelnicki said. About 65 percent of those who ride the buses are 60 or older.

"I think the economy is playing a part in people choosing to take public transportation rather than spend money on upkeep of a vehicle," Mogelnicki said.

Ruth Dockins, spokeswoman for the Southeast Missouri Agency on Aging, said while she understands that cost increases are necessary for a business to remain open and viable, increases can pose a problem for senior citizens.

"For seniors living on a fixed income, many times they have every dime budgeted," Dockins said. "Whenever they have something like that, it causes a problem."

The proposed fare increase applies to the transit authority's fixed-bus routes in Cape Girardeau, not its coupon program. The coupons may only be purchased by seniors taking trips anywhere within the county. The rate for those rides is $4 one-way, one dollar more than in 2009. A grant of $100,000 from the Cape Girardeau County Senior Citizens' Services Fund Board helps reduce out-of-pocket costs to riders. Mogelnicki said since that money was gone by mid-October during the past two years, the $1 increase was necessary to cover any shortfall.

Those wanting to offer an opinion on the proposed fare for fixed-route buses should write the authority office at 937 Broadway, Suite 200, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent address:

937 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO