A commuter bus operation in Howard and Anne Arundel counties may have to raise fares by 25 cents to $2 and reduce services to offset a budget deficit.
“Operation and fuel costs continue to rise, and we can?t maintain our level-of-service on this existing budget,” said Sharon Smith, marketing director for Corridor Transportation Corp.
The nearly $500,000 deficit also resulted from a higher than expected contract amount with a new operator, Smith said.
The Laurel-based transit operator is still about $100,000 short despite funding from Anne Arundel and Howard counties, the city of Laurel and the state totaling around $450,000, she said.
Three Connect-A-Ride routes that serve the Fort Meade area, the Odenton MARC train station and Arundel Mills could see fewer buses during nonpeak and weekend hours, Smith said.
About 70 percent of Connect-A-Ride commuters use the bus to travel to work, Smith said.
County Executive John R. Leopold said in a written statement Monday that the money he contributed would help save those routes. Leopold was out of town and could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Carl Balser, Howard County?s transportation planning chief, said a fare hike would affect Howard commuters who use Connect-A-Ride, but Howard Transit would not increase fees.
“The good news is we are going to be adding service this year because of the increased funds,” Balser said, referring to the $100,000 set aside in the budget.
Staff Writer Sara Michael contributed to this story.
AT A GLANCE
Proposed route modifications:
J – Laurel-Arundel Mills-Glen Burnie
K – Arundel Mills-Meade Village-Pionner City-Seven Oaks-Telegraph Road-Odenton MARC Station
M – Odenton MARC Station shuttle
Source: Corridor Transportation Corp.
