Transit fares

The Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority is considering a change in fares for its fixed-route buses. The fare currently is $1.50, but senior citizens, the disabled and students pay 75 cents. The authority is proposing that everyone pay the $1 fare. Officials say it would be simpler. Currently, more than 65 percent of current ridership pays the reduced fare.

Before changing the rates, the authority is soliciting comments from the public. Letters may be mailed to the authority at 937 Broadway, Suite 200, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. In addition, a public hearing will be held at 8 a.m. April 13 at the transit authority office on Broadway.

The new rate, if approved, could go into effect the day after the hearing.

The transit authority has experienced an increase in ridership in the past year. Currently 650 to 700 passengers a week are using the fixed-route buses. A year ago, the number was about 500 a week.

The transit authority is to be commended for giving riders an opportunity to be heard before the rates are changed. It's up to those who use the buses to let their ideas and concerns be known.