Transit Board Rejects Budget With Proposed Route and Fare Changes
The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) rejected a proposed budget Wednesday that would have increased fares and cut some bus service.
Board member Johnnie Lassiter of Bessemer voted against the $34.7 million budget. She says she’s concerned about the impact the changes would have on riders. The transit board asked some cities in the metro area to chip in more for bus service. But she says cities haven’t signed on.
Transit leaders say cities aren’t paying enough to cover the cost of operating the buses. Birmingham city officials have said they will not increase funds toward the transit system. The transit system’s staff drafted the budget, but final approval is up to the board. A board committee is expected to discuss the budget at a meeting later this month.
Transit leaders introduced the changes at community meetings over the summer. The one-way trip fare would have increased from $1.25 to $1.50 in the proposed budget. Originally, there would have been a 75-cent increase, bringing that fare to $2. MAX also dropped its proposal to increase the fare for paratransit service.
The board approved a 15-month contract to hire Frank Martin as executive director. He had been serving as interim executive director. Martin will be paid $22,500 a month.
Bus rider Anna Brown questioned paying that salary amid service cuts.
“Your first priority is to make sure that we have an efficient transit service,” Brown said during the public comment period at Wednesday’s meeting.
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
3 culinary tricks that might get you to eat more veggies, according to chef Roy Choi
Chef Roy Choi, known for his Korean-Mexican fusion food trucks, focuses on veggie-forward dishes in a new cookbook. He shares techniques to get you excited about your greens, plus 3 flavorful sauces.
3 culinary tricks that might get you to eat more veggies, according to chef Roy Choi
Chef Roy Choi, known for his Korean-Mexican fusion food trucks, focuses on veggie-forward dishes in a new cookbook. He shares techniques to get you excited about your greens, plus 3 flavorful sauces.
Trade tensions hang over Trump’s Asia trip, but he still aims to make a deal
President Trump plans to attend a summit in Malaysia before meeting the new Japanese prime minister in Tokyo and talking to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Korea.
Blue Jays rout Dodgers 11-4 in World Series opener
Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, as the Toronto Blue Jays overwhelmed the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener Friday night in Toronto.
