One week from today, riders will see the new Battle Creek Transit fares in place – discussed since 2020 and approved this spring by the city commission.
The increases are the first in 19 years, and the Transit team has analyzed and surveyed to determine that a fare increase now is the best way to improve revenues that keep Transit service going at current levels. It will also help fund more services, as the team works constantly to innovate and improve.
“Limited transportation alternatives leave many neighbors without other options,” said City of Battle Creek Public Transit Director Mallory Avis. “We need to make sure we can continue operating at the current levels, and also want to improve Transit services for our riders. We think this is the best solution to meet those needs.”
The fare increases are:
- Single bus ride – $1.25 to $1.75
- Reduced fare bus ride – 60 to 85 cents
- Multiple-ride, fixed-route bus passes – $6-$40 to $8-56
- Tele-Transit ADA and reduced fare – $2 to $3
The proposed increases would generate an additional $141,757 in revenue, without implementing a transfer fee. The Public Transportation Committee and the city’s Human Relations Board previously challenged staff to develop a solution that keeps transfers free to riders.
The last Battle Creek Transit single-ride fare increase was in 2003, from $1 to $1.25 (25 percent). The upcoming single-ride increase is 40 percent.
Staff has worked to improve Transit services to the community while also addressing greater expenses than revenues. Transit has received various grants, participated in community events, and continues work on new branding. Staff are working to get Battle Creek Transit onto Google Transit, and upgrade the dispatch system.
Original source can be found here.
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