Transit Board Approves Fare Increase and Service Cuts
Bus riders in Birmingham and Jefferson County will see an increase in their fares and reduced service times beginning this November.
After weeks of debate, the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) approved its $34 million budget Wednesday. This includes setting one-way fares at $1.50 — an increase of 25 cents. And some MAX bus routes that run late into the evening will now end at 7 p.m.
You asked, we listened! Here is a modified proposal for fare increases effective September 23, 2019 based on feedback from riders. pic.twitter.com/NwFcnVjlbf
— MAX Transit (@BJCTAMAX) August 22, 2019
Transit leaders say they had to make changes because the City of Birmingham doesn’t pay enough to cover the cost of its current service.
Several riders who spoke at the transit board meeting say the cuts will make it difficult for them to get to work.
BJCTA Executive Director Frank Martin says the transit authority “will try to minimize the impact of the service modifications to affect as few of our passengers as possible.”
Martin says one option could be a digital app that allows people to schedule rides on smaller buses or vans. The transit system will begin testing that service in Mountain Brook in a few weeks, he says.
Greg Roddy, president of the local transit union, asked the board to try again to negotiate for more money from Birmingham.
“They’re forgetting about the people in public transit,” Roddy says.
South Africa reopens inquest into death of Steve Biko
South Africa has reopened the investigation into the death of anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko — 48 years after he was killed in police custody.
Memphis latest city Trump is targeting for federal government actions to combat crime
In an interview Friday morning, President Trump announced Memphis is his next target for federal intervention to combat crime. The president said he has support from Tennessee's governor and Memphis' mayor.
Prince Harry makes surprise visit to Ukraine in support of wounded troops
Britain's Prince Harry has arrived in Ukraine for a surprise visit in support of wounded service members.
Insect populations drop even without direct human interference, a new study finds
Research published this month found that even in pristine, untouched areas, insect populations are still on the decline. Climate change is a likely culprit.
Something big collapsed this week — again. Do you know what? Take our quiz
This week, we had news of a drawing that may or may not be the president's, and of a rock that may or may not indicate that Mars had life.
CBS shifts to accommodate the right under new owner
CBS's new owner, David Ellison, has taken concrete steps to address the concerns of the news division's sharpest critics — particularly President Trump and his allies.
