Greensboro's public city bus system needs more money and fewer routes. Since June 2010, the city's buses have made 4.3 million passenger trips, an increase of 350,000 over the previous year.
The city's buses operate 7 days a week - and on most routes, buses run every 30 minutes. But public transportation manager Libby James says there's still overcrowding.
The public bus system services 119 miles within the city limits. It also provides buses for students between the colleges in this area and for people with special needs. James says more money is needed to maintain current service - so a rate increase of .20 cents is being considered. This will generate $200,000 more in revenue that can be used to cover operation costs.
The current one-way base fare is $1.30. The fare last increased in 2000. Currently, the operating budget for Greensboro's public bus system is about 12.9 mllion dollars.
The city will hold a series of public meetings to hear comments from riders.
The public meetings to discuss a proposed fair increase:
August 1st at noon
August 11th at 5 p.m.
September 12th at 5:30 p.m.
September 21st at noon
The public meetings to discuss proposed route changes:
July 18th at 5:30 p.m.
August 15th at 5:30 p.m.
August 23th at 5:30 p.m.
All meetings will be held in the J. Douglas Galyon Depot at 236 E. Washington Street in Greensboro.
