Bus fare  hikes, cuts  on RTA's agenda

RTA is struggling with dramatic drop in sale tax revenue.

RTA is struggling with a dramatic drop in sales tax revenue, which makes up more than half of its total revenues. While the board had anticipated this year would be financially difficult, the numbers came in worse than anticipated as the economic downturn worsened late last year.

Staff photo by Ty Greenlees RTA is struggling with a dramatic drop in sales tax revenue, which makes up more than half of its total revenues. While the board had anticipated this year would be financially difficult, the numbers came in worse than anticipated as the economic downturn worsened late last year.

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By Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer Updated 8:49 AM Thursday, May 7, 2009

Bus fare increases and service cuts will be discussed at a June 1 public hearing at the Dayton Convention Center, the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority announced Tuesday, May 5.

The hearings at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. will give citizens a chance to comment on proposals that are being developed to offset a projected $3.1 million 2009 deficit.

RTA is struggling with a dramatic drop in sales tax revenue, which makes up more than half of its total revenues. While the board had anticipated this year would be financially difficult, the numbers came in worse than anticipated as the economic downturn worsened late last year.

Executive Director Mark Donaghy said “it would be irresponsible” to wait and see if things improve before cutting service and raising fares. He emphasized that it would be illegal for RTA to use federal stimulus money earmarked for bus purchases to resolve the operating deficit.

Also Tuesday the board heard several Trotwood residents criticize the possible placement of the Greyhound bus terminal in RTA’s Northwest Hub, 2075 Shiloh Springs Rd.

Greyhound Corp. and RTA are discussing moving the terminal from downtown Dayton to the hub. Trotwood residents, who have also protested at council meetings, have said they are concerned about Greyhound’s clientele, which Donaghy and Greyhound officials have said is a concern based on misinformation.

Janice Chinn of Trotwood said the buses would bring newly released prison inmates to the neighborhood.

“All they have to do is cross the street to commit a crime,” she said.

Chinn’s also worried that a resident of a nearby nursing home for people suffering from Alzheimer’s would get out of the facility, get on a bus and never be found.

Flora Northern, of the Broadmoor Neighborhood Association, said Greyhound buses would damage streets and have a negative impact on economic development.

Donaghy said a public hearing about the Greyhound proposal will be held at the hub in June. No date has been set.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7455 or lhulsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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