BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Due to the continued service adjustments in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Battle Creek Transit has announced that it will not increase its bus fare at this time.
Currently, officials say Transit buses and Tele-Transit vans operate on their regular schedules. They operate fare-free and with rear boarding when possible to limit personal interaction and help prevent the spread of the virus.
When these restrictions loosen, bus fare will remain $1.25 per single ride and Tele-Transit ADA and reduced fare will remain $2.
The Transit fares that were set to increase in July to help better fund Transit operations and services. It would be the first fare increase in 17 years. This year’s proposed increases would generate an additional $141,757 in revenue without implementing a transfer fee.
Furthermore, Transit has suspended BCGo, the on-demand weekend transportation service. Staff anticipate bringing back that service and have applied for a grant with which to operate it. Ongoing services likely will remain fare-free until there is a safe and easy way for riders to purchase bus passes.
Transit is set to receive $3.9 million in federal CARES funds, the Coronavirus Relief Fund, that staff will be able to use to continue operations.
The Transit fare increase will be revisited at a later time.
