The MTA isn’t the only transit agency planning a fare increase. The Transport of Rockland, Tappan ZEExpress, Spring Valley Jitney, and Clarkstown Mini Trans bus systems, as well as the TRIPS paratransit system all have increases planned. Base fares would increase on all services by at least 50 cents (a full list of the increases is available online).

Although ridership on the Transport of Rockland system has reached record numbers (the agency broke 300,000 monthly riders for the first time in its history in July), Rockland officials said they were expecting cuts in state aid. As with the MTA, revenue from real estate taxes that help fund Rockland County transit have dropped sharply, putting further pressure on agency budgets.

The problems facing the Rockland County transit agencies are similar to those faced by other small agencies around the country as the economic crisis continues.

The county will hold public hearings on the increases on December 17 between 2-4pm and 6-8pm in the Adler Room on the 4th floor of the Palisades Center Mall. You can also e-mail testimony and learn more by visiting the Rockland County Dept. of Public Transportation website.