Myranda McGowan takes the Metro to her classes at USM every day and she says she wouldn’t mind paying more for the ride.
McGowan, of Westbrook, was one of the residents who took part in a public hearing sponsored by the transit service at the Walker Memorial Library Monday night.
McGowan said she thought the increase was a good idea, especially in the face of rising fuel costs and increased traffic throughout the metropolitan Portland area. “It’s something that was going to happen eventually,” she said. “Maybe people who drive can finally realize that (the traffic) is also affecting the bus.”
The Metro board of directors will meet Thursday, Nov. 17, to vote on the proposed increase. If the board votes in favor of the increase, starting Jan. 1, regular fares will go from $1 to $1.25. Monthly passes will increase from $30 to $37.50. The cost of a 10-ride ticket will go up $2 to $11, and senior fares will go from 50 cents to 60 cents.
Metro Director of Operations James Cavanaugh said rising cost of fuel was the driving force behind the increase. He said the riders he has spoken to have been mostly receptive to the increase. “There’s not really any resistance,” he said. “Folks just wanted to know what the new numbers would be.”
The fare hike won’t directly affect McGowan because the fare for USM students will be remaining at 50 cents. However, even if it were to go up for her, she said she would willingly pay the added cost.
“I don’t drive,” said McGowan. “And I really feel strongly about bus service. I try to support it.”
James Jensen of Westbrook attended the meeting with his wife, Sylvia, and he said they travel on the bus often, especially when he goes to the eye doctor and is unable to drive afterwards. Jensen said he understands the reasoning for the increase and supports it.
“I think it’s worth it,” he said, “because of the price of gas and wear and tear on the busses. I don’t mind the increase at all. It helps support the bus system.”
Sylvia Jensen agrees with her husband, saying she believes the increase was fair. “I don’t mind paying more,” she said. “It’s no big deal.”
“You have to expect an increase now and then,” James Jensen said. “Things are always going up in price. You’ve got to accept it. It’s all part of life.”
The Metro board of directors will vote on the proposed increase at a meeting Thursday morning at 7:45 a.m. at the Metro headquarters on 114 Valley Street in Portland. For more information, call Metro at 774-0351.
Metro Westbrook residents (from left) James Jensen, Sylvia Jensen, Cindy Murphy, Mark Shapp and Pat Peoples listen to Metro Director of Operations Peter Cavanaugh discuss a proposed rate increase at a meeting at Walker Memorial Library Monday night.Send questions/comments to the editors.
