TARTA ridership up despite fare increases

8/5/2006

Despite fare increases this winter, the number of adults paying to ride TARTA buses increased 5.6 percent in the first half of the year, according to the transit authority.

TARTA attributes the increase in part to more interest in alternative means of transportation because of higher gas prices.

In January, TARTA raised its standard fare from 85 cents to $1, citing higher fuel, maintenance, and health-benefit costs. The authority also increased senior and disabled fares from 40 cents to 50 cents, and Toledo Area Regional Paratransit Service, which provides door-to-door trips for people whose disabilities prevent them from using regular bus service, rose 50 cents to $2.

Overall, there were 2.4 million TARTA riders in the first half of the year, a figure that includes students and those riding free on Ozone Action! Days.