Chatham-Kent could soon be leaving its Chatham transit fare system at the side of the road.
Recommendations are coming from staff to have adults, seniors and students all pay the same $2.00 flat rate for a single bus ride in Chatham, compared to seniors and students currently paying $1.75, and children costing $1.00. They're also suggesting the fee go up to $2.50 over the course of two years. The new system would see children riding for free.
Staff's recommendations also see multi-ride passes and senior passes being scrapped. Instead, the municipality would offer monthly passes priced between $50 to $65, depending on the age of the rider.
For low-income families, CK is also providing an option. They could apply for a special "affordable pass" which would cost $40. If the recommendations go through, this pass would go through a one-year pilot project period.
Chatham bus usage has fluctuated over the last ten years, but saw a big increase of 50,000 annual boards to just over 313,000 between 2013-2014.
None of the changes have been approved and are yet to come into effect. Councillors will consider the recommendations at Monday's council meeting.
