MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion’s transit service is poised to impose a 40% fare increase.
Julie Welch, Director of the Marion Transit Department, informed the Marion City Council that rates will rise for the first time since 2004, beginning August 1.
Fares for elderly, disabled individuals, and students will increase from 60 cents to $1.00, while adult fares will jump from $1.25 to $2.00. Additionally, monthly passes for the elderly, disabled, and students will increase from $15 to $24, with adult passes rising from $30 to $48.
According to the most recent census, Marion’s poverty rate is 22.1%, above the national average. Eighteen percent of the population is over the age of 65, and 17% reported a disability.
Welch stated that the fare adjustments are necessary to bring Marion’s transit services “into compliance with other regional transportation systems.” However, Councilman Ayers Ratliff challenged this claim, stating, “There is no compliance in government; you can’t say that… it’s not coming up to a standard.”
Despite this, Welch maintained that the rate increase is not aimed at generating revenue, even though it is expected to bring in an additional $5,000 per month.
Ratliff expressed concern that the fare hike disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, stating, “The people we are targeting with this raise, the elderly, the disabled, and the students, those individuals will feel that $5,000 much more directly than the city will.”
Welch acknowledged that many riders have been anticipating the fare increase, noting that some are already opting to pay a dollar for the 60-cent fare. She added that increasing rates may help secure more matching funds from the state.
Questions arose regarding the burden being placed on riders, particularly when alternative revenue-generating methods, such as selling ad space on buses, were suggested. Welch indicated that this option is currently under examination.
She also announced plans to hold a public hearing for input on the fare hike, without specifying a date. Public feedback could potentially influence the final decision.
In a subsequent interview, Ratliff expressed his support for making transit services free for the elderly, disabled, and students, stating, “Not everything is meant to generate revenue. Some things are services the city should provide.”
Marion County Now reached out to Welch with several inquiries regarding the legality of the rate hike, publicization of the changes, current night moves rates (sources have indicated they have been reduced), and her stance on making transit free for specific groups. As of the close of the business day, Welch had not responded, and Marion County Now has extended the response timeframe with no reply.