Tucson City Council approved 7-0 to increase bus fares.
Starting January 1, 2017 the base fare will be $1.75 and the economy 30-day fare will be $18 in 2017 and $22.50 in 2018.
HAPPENING NOW: Some are for and against raising the bus fare. @cityoftucson suppose to make a decision soon @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/K8GXEXB7tJ
— Priscilla KGUN9 (@PriscillaCasper) September 21, 2016
Some agreed with the price increase, while others proposed other ways to increase ridership.
A Bus Rider's Union member asks @cityoftucson to wait 1 year to make a plan to improve bus service before increasing fare @kgun9
— Priscilla KGUN9 (@PriscillaCasper) September 21, 2016
This will be the first time in five years Sun Tran increased its fares.
The last times fares were raised was in 2011, when one-way fares went up 25 cents to $1.50 and express fares from $1.50 to $2.
JUST IN: @cityoftucson approves 7-0 to increase bus fares in Jan 2017 @kgun9 #Tucson
— Priscilla KGUN9 (@PriscillaCasper) September 21, 2016
In the last four years, revenue from riders dropped by almost $4,000,000. The city hopes by increasing the fares, this will increase ridership.
