Friday, May 30, 2008

Bus fares to increase June 9

Rising fuel costs blamed for Mountain Rides price hike

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By EXPRESS STAFF
Express Staff Writer

A Mountain Rides Down Valley bus makes its rounds in Hailey. Photo by David N. Seelig

Increased fuel costs are being blamed for a Mountain Rides Down Valley bus fare price hike that takes effect on Monday, June 9.

"Given increased costs, especially with no end in sight of rising fuel costs, a fare increase is reasonable and necessary," said Blair Boand, board vice chairman for Mountain Rides Transportation Authority.

The price hike applies only to the Mountain Rides bus service that connects Bellevue, Hailey and Ketchum. Mountain Rides Around Town service in Ketchum and Sun Valley remains free.

"It has been two and a half years since fares on the commuter bus service have increased," said Jason Miller, Mountain Rides executive director. "Considering that we use thousands of gallons of diesel fuel per month and that diesel prices have more than doubled in the past two years, a fare increase is overdue to help Mountain Rides just maintain the level of service we currently operate."

Under the new rate structure, a one-way fare will cost $3 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens. The previous rates were $2.25 and $1, respectively.

A 12-pack for one-way trips will increase for adults to $27 from $22.50. For youngsters and seniors the fare will increase to $18 from $12.

Adult monthly passes will now be $72 rather than $60.

A six-month adult pass will cost adults $380 rather than $325.

Miller said Mountain Rides decided to implement the new fare structure on June 9 rather than June 1 so the first week of June can be used for "educating all current users of the new rates."

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However, six-month passes will be sold at the new rate starting on June 1.