Fares slightly increased for York County Public Transportation

YORK – This week, the York County Commissioners approved slight fare increases for public transportation services.

​The new fares are now:

• $3 per boarding (includes drive-through stops), in city limits. This is up from $2, a fare which hadn’t been changed since 2011.
• In-county, $5 per boarding, up from $4
• Thursday Lincoln transport, $20 per trip, up from $15
• Expanded trips -- $15 per trip within 30 minutes; $30 per trip within 60 miles; $60 per trip within 110 miles. These fares hadn’t changed since 2006.
• Additional stops outside of York County are $5
• Same-day ride requests will incur an additional $2 charge
• The $2 “no show” charge will no longer be waived. To avoid this charge, riders must cancel their ride at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled ride time
• Reduce rate eligibility: Riders who currently qualify for reduced rates will need to submit a new intake form by Oct. 1 to confirm their continued eligibility. If a new intake is not received by this deadline, the reduced rate will be removed and the rider will be charged the full price. Reduced rates are only available for services within York County.

During the public hearing held before the county board, York Transportation Director Lori Byers explained how these fare increases are “to meet budgetary needs” as federal and state dollars have been cut.
There was no public comment during the hearing. However, Byers said she had received a few calls from individuals in low-income situations, “but as I explained, they won’t be affected by this” because the poverty rate and reduced rates come into play.
Willard Peterson, who sits on the advisory board for aging services/transit, added, “It is important to keep this service and this will not affect the lowest-income people.”
“And this is due to the loss of state and federal funds,” said York County Commissioner LeRoy Ott, who also sits on the advisory board.