Some MARTA riders are now paying a little more to get around.
"As part of MARTA's fiscal 2013 budget, we'll be implementing a fare increase for reduced fares and mobility fares. And, that's going to start on Nov. 11, 2012," says spokesman Lyle Harris.
The rate hike went into effect on Sunday.
Harris also says this latest fare increase mostly affects seniors and those who use MARTA's Mobility service. This door-to-door service is available to people with disabilities that are unable to board, ride, or disembark from regular MARTA buses or trains.
MARTA's Mobility vans are equipped with lifts, and drivers pick up passengers living within Fulton and DeKalb Counties.
"This is part of a 3-year phase increase that was adopted on the certain kinds of fare products to help mediate the impact of raising the fares on seniors and individuals with disabilities all at one time," says Harris.
The new senior fare will increase by five cents, from 95 cents to $1.00 staring Sunday. And, a one-way mobility fare is now $4.00 per person (previously the fare was $3.80).
"We really don't have any choice. These services, especially mobility services, are extremely expensive. So, this fare increase, while painful for some, is just a necessary part of what we need to do to continue to provide the service going forward," says Harris.
But, many commuters who spoke to WSB are upset over the fare increase, even though it's just for seniors and the disabled now. Some say MARTA will most likely increase regular fares soon as well.
"Going up, we don't have the service. The buses are not regular. The bus drivers are not on-time, courteous or professional," says Alysse, who just moved to Atlanta from New York.
Another commuter, Sabrina, has lived in Atlanta all her life and she says, "MARTA continues to raises fares, yet the service isn't increasing."
But, for commuter Patricia Pallet, who's a senior, it's about the money. "Sometimes you just don't have the finances. You can't just squeeze juice out of a tomato if you don't have it," says Pallet.
Lyle Harris with MARTA says, "we very much understand that folks depend on MARTA, but we also have to figure out a way to make sure that MARTA is here, not only today, but 10, 20, 30 years from now.
MARTA is currently reviewing the 2014 fiscal budget and considering whether or not to increase "regular" fares. Harris says if the board should decide to increase regular fares, then public hearings would be scheduled to allow riders the chance to voice their opinions.
