It will soon cost people a little more to use the Scotts Bluff County Handy Bus.
County Commissioners approved rate increases ranging from 50 cents to one dollar for trips on the Handy Bus. The rate increases will go into effect on January 1st.
On average, it costs riders $1.50 each way
for a trip to Scottsbluff or Gering. That's 35 cents *less* than it
actually costs the county to provide the rides.
Supporters of the increase say change is needed.
"It's probably time to have a small rate
increase, and we're still going to lose money on it," explains Board
Chairman Mark Masterton. "But the rate increase seems like a fair way to
deal with the deficit."
During Monday night's commissioner meeting, all (albeit one) people during the public hearing voiced support for a rate increase.
The rate for trips will increase
from $4 to $5 each way to destinations of Lyman, and Morrill. Trips to
Mitchell, Melbeta, and Minatare will increase from $3 to $4, and trips
to Scottsbluff and Gering will go up from $1.50 to $2.
So far this year close to 32,000 trips have
been provided to folks to Gering and Minatare, accounting for
approximately 95% of all the rides within the county.
