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.
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