SRTA Fares May Be Going Up

The fare to ride SRTA buses may be going up. According to published reports, officials are proposing to charge riders a flat fee with one free transfer in exchange for a 25-cent increase in fare. the changes, which also include the introduction of charlie cards (reusable, rechargeable tickets) to collect the fares and a series of discounted passes, designed to make the bus system more affordable and easier to use and ultimately increase ridership. SRTA's advisory board voted last month to put the proposal before the public. The changes will be reviewed at a 2 p.m. meeting in the main library in New Bedford on September 19. The official comment period ends September 28.