By GREG JORDAN
BLUEFIELD — Growing fuel costs are making public transit fares go up slightly, but lengthening routes are giving area riders more opportunities to beat high prices at the pump.
People riding buses with Bluefield Area Transit will have to pay higher fares when they climb aboard, but the sum is not great, the service’s executive director said.
“Fares have increased 25 cents on most routes, and routes have been modified and we plan to add one,” said Executive Director Patrick McKinney.
Like any other business or government, public transportation is facing the reality of higher prices and the need to adjust budgets so services can stay on track.
“All changes are due to the ever increasing fuel costs and to make Bluefield Area Transit more efficient,” said Tammy Bennett, administrative assistant.
“As of Sept. 1, the Dial-A-Ride Service in Welch and the surrounding area will become a Deviated Fixed Route, two of the smaller routes will be eliminated due to lack of ridership, and we also plan to add service into the Athens area,” she said.
The Welch to War and Iaeger route will be discontinued along with the 4 p.m. route from Welch to Bluefield and the 5:10 p.m. from Bluefield to Welch.
The transit service currently offers connections with Princeton and Bluefield and other points in Mercer County as well as Welch and other communities in McDowell County.
People with questions can call 327-8418 or (866) 759-0978.
