Renegade Rip

As the economy suffers and the gas prices rise, many people feel that public transportation is the best and cheaper way to go. Although this may seem to be a good idea, it may not be the cheapest way to go.

Riding the Golden Empire Transit cuts down on traffic and gas, but it is not as cheap as many may think. From 2008 to 2009, the bus fare has increased for a single ride from 90 cents to $1. Flash passes went from being $30 in 2008 to $32 in 2009.

For the disabled and senior citizens, their single ride fare went from 40 cents to 50 cents. The flash passes for them used to be $15 and now they are $16.

Some may feel that the increase in fare is unreasonable, but there is a reason for the rise in costs. The rising costs and the $5 million loss in state funds have forced GET to increase their prices.

Tony Reynolds, a GET bus passenger and BC student, said, "I think the fare increase isn't a good idea because people ride the bus because they feel it's cheaper. GET is going to lose customers."

Miriam Hasselberg, a GET bus passenger, said, "The fare increase is unreasonable. I am 69 years old, and I'm on a fixed income. If the fare goes up any more, I won't be able to ride any more."

With these new changes, GET will be able to finish projects. The increases will also benefit the public they serve.

The increase will also allow them to keep many of their workers employed. The fare increases help GET continue their improvements for the community.

So, even though many feel that GET shouldn't have increased their fare, passengers should see it as a step forward and not an unnecessary step backward, according to GET officials.

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