OPT Fare Hike Presented to Oneonta Common Council

Transit director of Oneonta Public Transit Paul Patterson presented to the Common Council Tuesday night some of the proposed fee changes for OPT.

We want to be in a position where we keep the fleet strong and keep it running," Patterson said. "If we continue to run deficits, there's the threat of cutting back routes. One of the ways to deal with that is to increase revenues and we've done it selectively by increasing fares on select sections of our transportation.

"If you live in the city of Oneonta route along one of the main routes, your fare's are not going to increase,"  he added. "However if you live in the town or if we have to divert to pick you up, you're getting an additional service, and you will paying an additional dollar for that."

Patterson went to say there will be something new for senior citizens to take advantage of.

"We're very pleased to announce that for senior citizens in the City of Oneonta will be a $2 all-day pass," he said. "They can anywhere in the system and get on and off the bus as often as they need to."

The Common Council will vote on the fee changes at the next meeting. If it is approved, it will take effect early next year.