In the summer of 2011 VIA was prepared to raise the base fare by 10-cents, along with eliminating transfers. The public hearing was had and to the surprise of VIA there was a large turnout of speakers opposed to the rate increase as put forth by VIA, particularly the elimination of the transfer. VIA, at that time, withdrew the proposed fare increase. Now they have returned with essentially the same proposed fare increase, but without eliminating the transfer system. VIA should be applauded for listening to the ridership and withdrawing the proposal last year and revising it to more closely meet the needs of the patrons who rely on the bus for transportation. I spoke against the rate increase last summer (mainly due to the elimination of the transfer), but as put forward at this time the increase appears to be reasonable. I would be more comfortable with it, however, if VIA publicly pledged to keep the Big Pass and the transfer system rather than changing the pass to a reloadable debit card and eliminating the transfer as some other public transportation systems have done. The fare increase is justifiable at this time; the elimination of the transfer system or the changing of the Big Pass to a reloadable debit card is not, and VIA should publicly promise to keep the transfer and Big Pass.

VIA wants to hear the public's thoughts on the matter. They don't care what the public thinks.They will raise it anyway.