More fare, less ride

The Regional Transportation Commission is considering raising the fare for the municipal bus line RTC RIDE, better known as Citifare. “All fare categories may be impacted with increases of up to 15 percent,” said a Feb. 21 RTC statement. “Reductions in service of up to 5 percent are also being considered.”

Riders who travel to and from work on the bus each day and avoid driving pay $1.75 each way, a little more than the cost of a gallon of gas a day for a round trip. That can be reduced with purchase of various longer term passes.

An open house at the Citifare depot at Center and Fourth streets will be held from 7 a.m.-11 a.m. and 2 p.m.-5 p.m. on Feb. 29 to explain the proposals. A public hearing is planned for March 21.