By Olin Ericksen
Staff Writer

April 5 – Exchanging some of the lowest fares in the region for first-ever day passes, the Big Blue Bus may soon double rates for students and begin charging for transfers.

Depending on the outcome of a City Council vote next Tuesday, rates for students could soon climb a quarter to 50 cents, and college students would also pay 50 cents, 10 cents more than their current fare.

Changing buses will also cost 50 cents. Currently there is no charge to transfer.

While reportedly opposed by local Parent Teacher Associations, the rates will not only simplify fares, but will help many students who do not currently qualify for the 25 cent discount, bus agency officials said.

"Even though we are raising the fare to fifty cents for students, many students will actually be paying less because currently they are only discounted if they are bought in bulk," said Stephanie Negriff, director of transit services for the Big Blue Bus.

In addition to changes for those headed to and from school, the Big Blue Bus hopes to offer a first-ever day pass for all riders. Although riders pay a higher one-time fee, they could use the pass as many times as they want during the course of a day.

A regular day pass for local service would cost $2.50, while students would spend $1.25. Day-pass for seniors and the disabled would be $1.25. The most expensive pass would be $3.25 for regular express bus riders.

Negriff said the day pass would also help students.

"By offering a discounted day pass at $1.25, students in fact could see a significant savings," she said.

If approved by the City Council, the new fares could kick in by July 1 and would generate an annual estimated revenue of $1.3 million.

The added funds could come at a critical time for the Big Blue Bus. The high price of gas already led to the 79-year-old agency’s first short-term deficit last year, when it was $2 million in the red.

The City was able to shift funds to meet budget targets, but the long-term projection remained in the red unless changes were made.

Although the fare hikes are partially aimed at wiping out such budget uncertainty, Negriff said anything could happen over the next few years.

"Who can really predict what expenditures are going to be a few years down the road?" she said.

Currently, the Big Blue Bus charges some of the lowest rates in the region, Negriff said, adding that fares have been due for an increase. The last increase was in 2002, when fares for regular riders went up from .25 cents to .75 cents.