HART plans fare increase, cuts trolley fare

The Tampa Tribune reports: HART plans fare increase, cuts trolley fare

HART ridership, meanwhile, grows, projected to approach 12-million this fiscal year.

Regular bus fare would rise from $1.50 to $1.75. HART also expects to increase the costs of fare cards, express fares and paratransit fares. Overall, the changes would generate about $736,000 more annually.

The regular fare jump would match the Orlando increase by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority this year. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority sells regular fares for $1.50.

HART board members didn't speak Tuesday before they authorized their staff to prepare for public hearings in early June through July. A final decision could be made in August.

"I'm not worried about the fare increase," said Gloria Mills, a rider and advocate for the blind. She told board members she knew the increase was needed. But she told board members to improve paratransit services because it takes too long for rides to come when disabled people call.

HART also lowered the cost to ride the In-Town Trolley to 25 cents. Trolley routes connect parking, hotels and the Tampa Convention Center with the downtown core. The decrease will have a minimal effect on the agency's budget, and HART wants more people to ride the trolley. HART expects demand to increase with thousands of downtown lofts and condominiums built or under construction, and because of the coming Super Bowl.