CAT's Changing Fares Draws Excitement and Criticism

After six years of the same rates, Chatham Area Transit is making some changes which they say is for the better.

The proposal would raise the one-way base fare from $1.00 to a $1.50. A weekly pass would go from $12 to $16. The current $48 monthly pass would cost $60. Teleride would go from $1.20 to a $1.80. But transfers taking place within an hour and a half time frame would be free.

In tonight's community report, CAT held meetings today to hear bus riders' concerns. Dozens came to the second of two public meetings, hoping to hear more about the proposed fare changes.

"For us to sustain what service we have on the street, we have to find ways to generate revenue," says CAT Executive Director Charles Odimgbe.

The increasing rates will allow transfers to be free, something the group Step Up Savannah's been wanting for years. "The reality of this community is that over 50 percent of our riders transfer," says Sean Brandon with Step Up Savannah and the City of Savannah.

"I think overall this is gonna benefit the overwhelming majority of people who need it the most," says Woodville neighborhood leader Tyrone Ware.

CAT is also installing a state-of-the-art fare collection system which won't accept pennies or tokens. Some aren't too happy about the changes saying they can't afford it.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Because for me, that's more money I have to pay out of my pocket then I don't have to use a transfer," says one CAT rider.

"I really chuckle on what he said, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Unfortunately this bus called CAT is a little broken. And we really need to find a way to fix it," says Odimgbe.

This is the first big change CAT's new executive director is making. He doesn't want to up fares, but asks CAT riders to give him a chance. "I'd rather we have service on this street than we go out there and cut service. It's just not fair."

"Study your plans. And when you study your plans, look up above and ask god to give you the right decision to make. And when you do that, everything will be alright," was the advice from one rider, Margaret Jackson.

The Transit Authority Board will vote on the proposed changes and make the final decision. If approved, the new rates will go into effect at the end of June or beginning of July.