Fares Skyrocket as National Transit Crisis Deepens

Transit riders across the country continue to struggle with double digit fare increases. As reported in the Warwick Beacon,  the Rhode Island Public Tranist Authority (RIPTA) has voted one of the largest fare increases in the country. The fares will increase 14% for base fare, and 18% for Seniors and Disabled Riders.

RIPTA has delayed, but not cancelled, proposed route changes that will affect 30 different bus routes. Some of the changes proposed by RIPTA's five year plan will cut night service, weekend service, Park and Ride service, and eliminate several bus lines. 

The fare hikes will only partially answer the problems of RIPTA's projected deficit, contributed to by the decrease in revenue gained by the gas tax and the high cost of diesel fuel. RIPTA is also going to the negotiating table with the Driver's union in an attempt to cut costs in salaries and benefits.