New fare rates for fixed route DART buses, as well as expanded hours and transit routes go into effect this weekend. Starting Sunday, fixed route prices in all three counties jump to a $1.50.
The proposal sparked outrage from transit riders last year, which DART spokeswoman Julie Theyerl says led to a late amendment to the plan.
“A lot of customers acknowledged the need for a fare increase, but some thought it was too much, too fast," said Theyerl. "So we backed off our original proposal of a two-year implementation and we’re spreading the increase out over three years.”
The additional fare increases will come in January of 2015 and 2016.
This weekend's fare increase kicks off an expansive, three-year plan by Delaware Transit Corporation, which will eventually encompass paratransit services as well.
Early plans touted partnerships with private transportation services to help lessen the strain on pricy paratransit services, but DelDOT offered no specifics during community meetings, raising concerns among riders.
Theyerl says that’s why the agency won’t implement those changes until September.
“One of the biggest comments we heard from the public was: you say you’re going to have these alternatives, but what are they? And because we didn’t have the details developed, that’s why we’re giving more time to do that,” said Theyerl.
DART plans on charging more for door-to-door paratransit services later this year if the pick-up and drop-off locations aren’t near a fixed route. Everyone utilizing paratransit will also need to be re-certified and certain trips will be prioritized over others. Those paratransit changes will kick in September 1st.
Fare hikes for paratransit rides go into effect July 1st.
DelDOT drew up the new plan to help control ballooning paratransit costs, which account for about 45 percent of the state’s total transit expenses, but whose riders make up roughly 8 percent of Delaware’s total ridership.
