|
Published: September 19, 2008 08:08 pm
NFTA: Agency considering quarter hike on standard Metro bus rate
By Mark Scheer E-mail Mark
Niagara Gazette
Already dealing with increased costs for food, home heating and seemingly everything else these days, Linda Barksdale certainly isn’t looking forward to having to dig deeper into her pocket to find more money for her primary mode of transportation.
Like other users of Metro bus services in Western New York, the Center Court resident may have little choice as representatives from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority seriously consider a fare hike to combat their agency’s own rising costs.
“I think it will be a hardship for those on fixed incomes,” said Barksdale. “Considering 50 percent of the people in Niagara Falls are on some kind of assistance and many are in the poverty level, 25 cents is a bit much in the beginning. This is a very impoverished area.”
Trustees on the NFTA’s Board started discussing fare hike options this week, including a tentative plan to raise base rates for bus and rail service from $1.50 to $1.75. The move, if authorized by the board of directors, would be effective Jan. 1.
NFTA officials say the move is needed to erase a projected deficit in the Metro Division budget that is projected to be between $2.5 million and $3 million by the end of the agency’s fiscal year, March 31, 2009. Meckler said a number of factors are contributing to the system’s deficit, including hefty increases in the cost of diesel fuel, reductions in state operations aid and expectations that Erie County Mortgage tax receipts will be significantly lower than previously anticipated.
“We’re looking at various ways to get a balanced budget,” Meckler said. “We just believe that an increase is necessary.”
The fare increase would be the first since 2003. It is also not a given. Meckler said the agency is required to hold public hearings in anticipation of rate increases and plans to do so in both Niagara and Erie counties in October. Comments from riders attending the hearings will be considered by NFTA trustees before they are asked to vote on the fare increase at their December meeting.
“There aren’t really any good alternatives,” Meckler said. “One of the other alternatives would be to look at reducing services.”
Robert Moore, a Buffalo resident who has been relying on Metro bus while house-hunting in Niagara Falls, estimates he saves more than $100 per week by using public transportation as opposed to driving a car. He believes he will continue to save money even if bus fares are increased.
“I still think it’s cheaper than having a car,” he said. “Gas is going up. Everything is going up. If they don’t raise it 25 cents now, a year from now it’s going to be a dollar increase. That will really hurt.”
|
|
|
|
 |
Store Manager
STORE MANAGER - Looking for individual with strong leadership and customer service skills to run convenience store in Lo...>MORE
CLEANERS
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE
COTA
PATIENT SERVICE MANAGER Full-Time management position responsible for promoting & maintaining the...>MORE
Nurses
NURSES RNs & LPNs
We have assignments available in home care & staffing. Interim Health Care...>MORE
In Bound Telesales
In Bound Telesales! Altitude Marketing is one of DISH Network’s top national retailers and has immediate FT positi...>MORE
Technicians
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS Exam Date: 9/12/09 Filing Period: 7/6/09 -7/22/09 EXAM FEE: $20.00 N.F. WA...>MORE
Cashiers
CASHIERS - Looking for cashiers for convenience store in Wrights Corners. Call 689-0600 ext. 31. ...>MORE
Cleaners
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE
Sales support
20 yr old industry leader, is expanding thru-out USA. Sales support position in our N. Falls, NY office. Salary, 8:30-5...>MORE
LPNS
LPNS, Certifid HHA's and Certified PCA/s needed. Several shifts available. Full and part time hours. Must be able to wor...>MORE
See all ads |
Ford 1993 Taurus
FORD 1993 Taurus, just inspected, runs good $900 or best offer, 284-0244...>MORE
1997 Ford Taurus GL
FORD 1997 Taurus GL, good condition, cold A/C, cruise, 1 owner, white. $1995 or BO. 990-6187....>MORE
1994 Pontiac Sunbird
PONTIAC 1994 Sunbird conv. V6, EC in & out, red w/blk top, wht int., CD, real sharp. $2850. 523-7102...>MORE
Dodge 2001 SLT
‘O1 DODGE SLT, 8’ bed, cap, spray line, low miles. Never seen winters, $7,300. 998-0230...>MORE
Chevrolet 2002 Cavalier
CHEVROLET 2002 CAVALIER with 80,00 miles. Must see! Well maintained! Silver ext., Gray int., 2DR, Automatic, Fro...>MORE
2000 Chevy S-10
CHEVY 2000 S-10 pick up, 2.2L, 5 spd, ext cab, EC in & out, CD, cold AC, great gas mi. $2750. 523-7102...>MORE
1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
BUICK 1994 Roadmaster Estate Wagon, V8, 130k, fair condition, 1 owner. $2800 or BO. 297-1061....>MORE
Olds 2001 Intrigue
Olds 2001 Intrigue, 130k runs great, leather, sun roof clean inside/out. $3000or BO. 628-6295...>MORE
Dodge 1996 Grand Caravan
Niagara Falls 2753 NIAGARA ST. FRI. SAT. 9AM-4PM oriental rug, old tools, antique car parts, toys, ...>MORE
Ford Escape XLT 2001
FORD ESCAPE XLT 2001, remote start, new catalytic converter, 116K, $3800 or best offer. 480-3031...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|