People Mover riders could soon pay more for bus fare under the city's proposed budget plan.
To make up for the rising cost of fuel, the plan calls for a $0.25 increase in adult bus fare, bringing it to $2. The monthly pass would cost $60 and reduced fares, currently $0.50, would be replaced with $1 half fares for seniors, those with disabilities, and riders with a Medicare card. Youth would also qualify for the half fare.
"With inflation, the cost of doing business goes up. In the case of the transit department, a 25 cent increase for adult fare is proposed," said Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan.
The changes do not sit well with some bus riders who rely on the People Mover as their main mode of transportation. Benita Labrada uses the bus line to get to and from work every day.
"The prices for buses are so much lower in the Lower 48 by a good dollar in some areas. Having it go up to 2 dollars... that bothers me," said Labrada.
But others are okay with paying more out of pocket if it keeps bus routes in service.
"It's a lot but we're losing money on our bus line anyway. We need to support our bus line. The only other choice is to cut routes," said Bob Decormier who relies on an Anchorage to Eagle River route Monday through Friday.
He remembers when an adult fare cost $0.50 years ago. He said he won't mind having to shell out $2.
"I'll be impacted but I'll do with one less cup of coffee or one less video rented at the video store," he said. "Making cutbacks for necessities. It's what we've got to do."
Contact Abby Hancock:
