(Cleveland) For the past seven years, it’s cost $2.25 to ride the RTA bus or rapid in greater Cleveland.
But starting August 14, 2016, fares are going up 25-cents across the board. Meaning a regular single fare will jump to $2.50, a senior ride to $1.25, and the student rate to $1.75.
RTA predicts its total increase in revenue from the hike will be $3.5-million-dollars a year.
Changes to bus routes and the Waterfront line are expected to save another $3.5 million -- almost enough to close RTA’s current budget deficit.
The service changes are scheduled to take effect in September.
The largest source of RTA’s revenue is Cuyahoga County’s Sales & Use tax.
Only 20% of the budget is paid for through passenger fares.
The RTA Board of Directors voted in June to increase fares and make the service cuts to balance the budget.
A second 25-cent fare increase will take effect in August 2018.
Learn more on the RTA website: http://www.riderta.com/fares