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Sarasota County Area Transit fares will rise dramatically for one-way users early next month in a move designed to avoid cutting back on service.
One-way fares will rise from 75 cents to $1.25 starting Oct. 3. Other fares will also increase significantly.
They include:
• One-way reduced fare for the elderly or disabled will go from 35 cents to 60 cents.
• The 30-day pass for unlimited rides will increase from $40 to $50; the same pass for the elderly or disabled will change from $20 to $25.
• The seven-day pass for unlimited rides will change from $15 to $20; the same pass for the elderly or disabled will change from $7.50 to $10.
• The day pass for unlimited rides will change from $3 to $4.
• The SCAT Plus service, for people whose disabilities prevent them from riding regular SCAT buses, will increase from $1.50 to $2.50.
• The Liberty Pass will change from $4 to $8.
Sarasota County officials warned of dire cutbacks in service levels without the fare increases. County commissioners lowered the amount of the increase on several fares, including the day pass, after staff determined the amount of additional money they would gain from those fares would be negligible.
SCAT's one-way fare of 75 cents was one of the lowest in the state and nation; it was last raised in 2007.
The Express bus pass will remain the same price.
Later this year SCAT will introduce a student pass that will cost $30 a semester. Students under age 18 or in college will be eligible.
For the full article, visit the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
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