Transit authority ups budget
Expenses in the Butler Transit Authority’s operating budget increased from $2.2 million to $2.9 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year from the previous fiscal year, but the extra costs will not be falling on riders.
The Transit Authority board of directors on Tuesday approved the budget, which included a marketing and public relations plan costing $43,090, but also went with executive director John Paul’s recommendation to not raise rider fares.
Despite being due for a fare increase, Paul said now is not the time because the authority is attempting to increase ridership.
“BTA is not considering a fare increase for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Paul said during the call-in meeting. “We will probably have to raise our fare in a year or so.”
The fare for local service is $1.25 per ride, $3 for a daily pass or $40 for a 30-day pass. The Commuter service, which operates between Butler and Pittsburgh, is $5 per ride.
Tiffany Fosnaught, finance manager for Butler Transit Authority, said in the meeting that the authority expects to make more money in fares this year than last year, and also anticipates an increase in advertising revenue. She also said the transit authority has Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money to supplement the commuter service.
Paul said the marketing plan, which will be comprised of physical, digital, radio and social media messages, revolves around the services offered by the transit authority and the cost-effectiveness of those services.
“This is to raise our ridership,” he said. “One of the big pushes this year is predicated on the rising fuel costs and the cost for people to commute in their own vehicle, so that's how we hope to attract new riders.”
Paul also said the BTA also plans to push awareness of the availability of public Wi-Fi on its buses.
Paul said construction on the authority’s new park-and-ride structure in the Pullman Center Business Park on Hollywood Drive has “come to a standstill.”
He said the main holdup in the construction project is a shortage of glass. The authority postponed a dedication ceremony for the park and ride from May to early September, but Paul said the stop will open for riders ahead of that date.
