Gainesville residents better not forget a book this fall when they head out to catch the bus.
Riders may have to wait twice as long for a bus ride in August, and they may have to use extra change to cover an increased fare price.
The Regional Transit System announced a proposal in a news release Monday to reduce the frequency of buses on 12 routes around the city and completely discontinue service for two.
The release also stated that RTS may begin charging riders $1.25 as opposed to the current $1 fare.
City spokesman Bob Woods said he was unsure if the proposed increase in bus fare would affect UF students.
The changes come at a time when mass transit across the country is hurting from fuel costs, Woods said.
RTS buses run on diesel, which costs about $4.89 a gallon at local gas stations.
"The cost has been astronomical," Woods said. "RTS is not insulated from changes rippling through the economy."
Woods said RTS projects its deficit this year to be around $1.5 million. About $1.3 million of that comes from increased fuel prices.
The bus system was well within its budget last year, he said.
"The cost just rose too fast," he said. "We weren't expecting it."
To avoid such a deficit next year, Woods said changes like decreased services and increased fares have to be implemented although such changes are projected to raise only about $200,000.
He said the city would also seek additional funding from private contributors and the state or federal government.
Despite a steadily declining economy, he said this year is the first time in 12 years the city has planned to raise bus fares.
He said RTS would remain a cheaper transportation alternative for residents than cars.
Routes that would be affected by the city's proposed changes were chosen because they had the lowest number of riders an hour, according to the release.
Most revised routes would only change on weekends, when there are fewer riders than during the week.
If the city's plan is approved, the routes should change Oct. 1.
The plan leaves almost all routes that run through UF's campus unaffected because they are funded by the school.
Exceptions are routes 122 and 126, which would continue only at certain times, and route 128, which would no longer shuttle students out to Lake Wauburg. These changes, if approved, will become effective Aug. 18.
The city will hold a public hearing today for residents wishing to discuss proposed changes at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Auditorium.
