It is disappointing the Capital Area Transportation Authority has proposed raising its rates, but it’s within the parameters of its contract with MSU.
CATA distributed a notice to students in some MSU dorms stating the bus system is considering raising its single-ride rates for students, senior citizens and people with disabilities from 25 cents to 50 cents.
If CATA decides to raise its prices, the cost of student monthly, semester and annual passes will also increase. Monthly passes would rise from $12.50 to $14, semester passes from $40 to $45 and annual passes from $60 to $70.
CATA is planning a series of public meetings to discuss the possible rate changes and is accepting correspondence concerning the possible changes.
The bus service took over campus bus routes in August 1999. Under its seven-year contract with MSU, CATA is not allowed to raise the single-ride rate above 60 cents - what it cost students when MSU ran the bus system - plus inflation.
While this increase is regrettable, it is not very much. Fifty cents is still a relatively cheap ride and still less than the $1 fare for adult nonstudent riders. The increase in the price of passes is also not a large amount.
These increases probably won’t make CATA rides beyond anyone’s means. Most people can afford a 50-cent ride. It may be more, but it’s not going to break anyone’s budget. While this may make people upset, it is unlikely to decrease the amount of students riding CATA.
CATA’s service is dependable and convenient for students. Students can ride nearly anywhere in the Lansing area for a discounted rate. The busing authority gives students without cars access to shopping and entertainment that is too far away to walk to. Riding a CATA bus is also a nice alternative to walking across campus in the cold.
The convenience of the service is worth the inconvenience of finding an extra quarter per trip.
CATA cites increased fuel prices and health insurance costs for the proposed rate changes. It is not surprising, with increasing prices in fuel in the past few months, that the cost of operation is increasing. It is understandable that CATA is turning to its riders for increased revenue. CATA also levies taxes from areas it serves, not including MSU.
If CATA goes through with the rate increase, it should have solid, justifiable reasons for doing so. While its reasons for the increase are understandable, it should also take into consideration what the public says in the meetings and in letters to the service. Meetings will take place Monday andTuesday.
The proposed increase in student rates to ride CATA is regrettable, but something that most likely could not be helped. While CATA gives good reasons for increasing rates, the concerns of its riders should not be ignored in this matter.
Bus passengers probably wish the increase would not happen, but it is within the busing authority rights to increase its prices.
