Montebello : Council Approves July 18 Fare Increase for Buses

Passengers will pay more to ride buses in Montebello beginning July 18.

The council voted 4-1, with Councilman Ed Pizzorno dissenting, to increase regular bus fares from 60 to 75 cents and express bus fares from 60 to 90 cents.

Fares for students will increase from 35 to 50 cents; senior citizens and the disabled will now pay 35 cents instead of 30 cents. Children younger than 5 and the blind will continue to ride free.

The fare increase is expected to generate $469,000, transit operations manager Cathi Cole said.

Montebello buses are subsidized in part by the Metropolitan Transit Authority. About 62% of the city’s $8.9-million transportation budget comes from the county agency. The rest must be paid by the city.

The bus service has lost passengers over the last few years, Cole said. About 6 million people rode city buses last year, but officials estimate that the buses will carry 400,000 fewer passengers this year, she said.

Fares last increased three years ago.