A good public transportation system is critical for successful economic
development. It is true that the budgets of public institutions have
been impacted by current economic conditions, as have the budgets of
individuals and families. The question is how these budget problems
should be addressed.
Transpo's proposed fare
hikes disproportionately affect the segment of our community that is
least able to assume the burden of the budget shortfalls. In effect,
this is a tax on the poor. People who are dependent upon public
transportation are being asked to do more than their share. In
addition to the WSBT article, read the appeal from St. Joseph County
Bridges Out of Poverty, also printed below, asking all of us to oppose
these rate hikes at public hearings scheduled for Monday, March 15 at 4
p.m. at the Mishawaka Penn Harris Public Library and Tuesday, March 16
at 6 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown South
Bend.
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Transpo considers fare hike to balance budget
Originally printed at http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/86974772.html
SOUTH
BEND — It could soon cost more to ride the bus in South Bend. The
Transpo board met Monday to decide if it should go forward with a
proposal to raise fares. The increase is supposed to help close a
$462,000 budget gap.
"It's not something we enjoy doing, but it's
something that's going to be a necessity if we are going to keep
maintaining a good transit service on the streets," Transpo General
Manager Rick Brown said.
With a more expensive fare, people who ride the bus say they want more services.
"I
think it shouldn't happen. If they're going to increase the rate, then
they need to increase the route," Darrius Williams said.
The board's discussions about a possible fare increase is an attempt to keep the services Transpo already has.
Brown
said Transpo has already cut jobs, routes and major expenses. It was a
surprise $462,000 budget shortfall threw the bus service for a loop.
That money was given to Transpo by the county based on projected
property tax revenues, but a miscalculation by the county forced
Transpo to give that money back.
To read the entire article, go to www.wsbt.com/news/local/86974772.html
JOSEPH COUNTY BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY is encouraging the public to
oppose these fare increases. They explain why in the following
communication. At the bottom of this email, we've attached a copy of
the Bridges Out of Poverty flyer. Please share it with others in the
community who are willing to make their voices heard.
Speak out on Transpo fare increase
public transportation is a critical part of South Bend’s economic and
environmental sustainability. Transpo is holding public hearings this
month on a .25 cent fare increase from .75 to $1.00. (monthly pass from $30 to $35), effective April 5, 2010. On the surface, that may not sound like a lot, but it is significant: a 30% increase. The equivalent for those of us who drive a car is gas going from $2.65 up $.80 to $3.45 a gallon.
Transpo cut their schedule from twice an hour to once an hour on most
routes. Those of us who drive a car don’t realize how difficult life is
when relying on public transportation to get to work, school, to a
doctor’s appointment or get groceries. If you are not a
bus rider, make a commitment to ride the bus to and from work just one
day and discover the challenges for yourself.
The first public hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 15 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mishawaka Penn Harris Public Library (Spencer Gallery) in downtown Mishawaka.
The second public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Public Library (Colfax Auditorium) in downtown South Bend.
Chip Lewis, Chairman
Rick Brown, General Manager
TRANSPO Customer Service
P.O. Box 1437
South Bend, IN 46624.