As the economy suffers and the
gas prices rise, many people feel that
public transportation is the best and
cheaper way to go. Although this may
seem to be a good idea, it may not be
the cheapest way to go.

Riding the Golden Empire Transit
cuts down on traffic and gas, but it
is not as cheap as many may think.
From 2008 to 2009, the bus fare has
increased for a single ride from 90
cents to $1. Flash passes went from
being $30 in 2008 to $32 in 2009.

For the disabled and senior citizens,
their single ride fare went from
40 cents to 50 cents. The flash passes
for them used to be $15 and now they
are $16.

Some may feel that the increase
in fare is unreasonable, but there is a
reason for the rise in costs. The rising
costs and the $5 million loss in state funds have forced GET to increase
their prices.

Tony Reynolds, a GET bus passenger
and BC student, said, “I think
the fare increase isn’t a good idea
because people ride the bus because
they feel it’s cheaper. GET is going to
lose customers.”

Miriam Hasselberg, a GET bus
passenger, said, “The fare increase is
unreasonable. I am 69 years old, and
I’m on a fixed income. If the fare goes
up any more, I won’t be able to ride
any more.”

With these new changes, GET
will be able to finish projects. The
increases will also benefit the public
they serve.

The increase will also allow them
to keep many of their workers employed.
The fare increases help GET
continue their improvements for the
community.

So, even though many feel that
GET shouldn’t have increased their
fare, passengers should see it as a
step forward and not an unnecessary
step backward, according to GET officials.