The Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS) is set to host a public hearing and a comment period to gain feedback on proposed changes to several fare schedules.
“CATS fares have gone unchanged since 2007 when the county assumed operations,” said CATS Director Greg Powell. “To help mitigate the impact of the increases to the public, we are proposing to phase in the general fare increases over a two-year period.”
The rate increase, set to go in effect on Oct. 1, 2023, will change the general public fare to $2 per person per trip for 0-5 miles and anything over 5 miles will be an additional $1 per person per trip. Seniors 60 years old and older and veterans will be charged $1 per person per trip for 0-5 miles and anything over 5 miles will be an additional $1 per person per trip. Children 15 and under will ride free and must be accompanied by an adult.
The next rate increase, set to go in effect on Oct. 1, 2024, will change the general public fare to $3 per person per trip for trip for 0-5 miles and anything over 5 miles will be an additional $1 per person per trip. For seniors age 60 and older and veterans, the fare will be $1 per person per trip for 0-5 miles and anything over 5 miles will be an additional $1 per person per trip. Children 15 and under will ride free and must be accompanied by an adult.
The proposed changes stem from the results of the recently completed Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP), which found that the CATS fare recovery ratio was among the lowest in the region and recommended raising fares to meet regional standards.
The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, during the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Meeting located in Cherokee Hall at 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton.
The comment period is under way and will run through June 4. Residents can provide comment in-person by visiting the CATS headquarters located at 884 Univeter Road in Canton or by calling 770-345-6238 or emailing Greg Powell at mgpowell@cherokeega.com. For more information, please visit www.cherokeega.com/Transportation.
