Battle Creek Transit fare prices to increase in July, first increase in nearly 20 years
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Battle Creek Transit fares are expected to increase on July 1.
The previous Battle Creek single ride fare increase was in 2003 when $1 was raised to $1.25, a 25% increase.
Now the single ride fare increase is 40%.
The Battle Creek Transit fares were discussed in 2020 and approved spring of this year by the city commission.
The transit team determined that a fare increase was the best way to improve revenues that keep transit service going, according to the city of Battle Creek.
The increase is also expected to help fund more services, as the team looks to innovate and improve.
“Limited transportation alternatives leave many neighbors without other options,” Battle Creek Public Transit Director Mallory Avis said. “We need to make sure we can continue operating at the current levels, and also want to improve transit services for our riders. We think this is the best solution to meet those needs.”
Increased fare prices are expected to be:
- Single bus ride: $1.25 to $1.75
- Reduced fare bus ride: 60 cents to 85 cents
- Multiple ride, fixed route bus passes: $6 to $40, $8 to $56
- Tele-Transit ADA and reduced fare: $2 to $3
Bus transfers and bus rides for children under 42 inches tall are expected to remain free, according to the city of Battle Creek.
Tele-Transit single rides and multiple ride passes for regular rate passengers are to remain the same as the current costs, but passes for reduced rate passengers are expected to see an increase, according to the city of Battle Creek.
The proposed increases are to generate an additional $141,757 in revenue, without implementing a transfer fee.
The Public Transportation Committee and the city's Human Relations board wanted staff to develop a solution that keeps transfers free to riders.
More information can be found on the city of Battle Creek website.