As of August 1, TARTA passengers again are paying fares to ride the bus.
The transit authority provided free transportation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the July TARTA board of trustees meeting, the new fare system was demonstrated.
The fare machine, now installed on all buses, will accept TARTA passes, payment through the EZfare app and cash payments without the need for exact change.
“Over the past two years, we have been working hard to expand our system and use technology to upgrade equipment and vehicles in a way that will enhance rider accessibility and increase reliability,” TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski said.
“Now more than ever, public transit technology plays a large role in meeting the needs of our community and providing an affordable ride to work, medical appointments, grocery shopping, school and other essential destinations.
“Realizing that many of our riders must use cash, we took extra care in implementing an easy-to-use technology interface that would also accept cash payments.”
Ms. Koprowski said a “simplified and economical pilot program fare structure” has been put into place.
Many fares will remain at pre-pandemic levels, but some of the most popular fare categories have decreased, including daily and monthly passes, she noted.
The rates are:
•Regular ride–$1.50 and free transfers within two hours
•Day pass–$3, which was reduced from $5
•30-day pass–$45, which was reduced from $60 The complete fare schedule may be found on tarta.com.
Fares may be purchased on board, at the TARTA Transit Hub, 612 North Huron Street, or by using the EZfare mobile application.
In conjunction with the new onboard technology, tokens are no longer accepted.
However, a token exchange program for full value is in place through September 30.
Individual customers/organizations who have less than 10 tokens may trade them in for one-way tickets.
Those who wish to exchange more than 10 tokens may schedule an appointment at the TARTA office, 1127 West Central Avenue.
Customers or organizations with 10 or fewer passes may turn them in for current passes of the same value.
Organizations with more than 10 passes from 2020 also may trade those in for current passes of the same value.
During the past two years, Ms. Koprowski said TARTA has focused on rebuilding and creating new community partnerships with local companies and targeted groups such as veterans, seniors and special needs individuals.
“As a result, the new fare structure expands the types of riders eligible for discounted fares including veterans and active-duty military personnel,” she noted.
TARTA also is working with a variety of local companies to provide better access to their locations for those who want to take the bus to work.
Riders may apply for reduced fares in certain categories such as students, seniors and others.
More information can be found on the TARTA website.
TARTA service will be coming to the Holland-Springfield community in 2023. Details are still being finalized among community leaders.
