RIPTA to hold hearings on proposed rate hikes

By AP

Providence, R.I. – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has scheduled a series of public hearings on proposed fare increases the agency says it needs to balance its budget.

The increases are roughly 14 percent, with variations depending on the kind of ticket. Under the proposal, a single-trip bus fare would rise to $2 from $1.75, while a 15-ride would jump to $26 from $23 and a monthly pass would go to $62 from $55.

Transit advocates say a fare hike is a better option than service cuts.

Hearings are scheduled for July 6 in Newport and Warwick; July 7 in Barrington and Narragansett; and July 8 at the University of Rhode Island.