Hearings set for transit fare hikes

GAINESVILLE - Hall County and Gainesville residents who use the county's public transit system will have a chance to speak out on a proposed fare increase at two public hearings in April.

Both meetings are set for April 25. The first will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Gainesville State College in Student Center Room A. The second will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Georgia Mountains Center in the Board Room.

Anyone unable to attend the public hearings may submit comments in writing to Hall Area Transit at 687 Main Street Gainesville, GA 30501 or by fax to 770-287-7317.

A rate hike on fares was proposed at a Hall County Commission meeting earlier this month as a way to save to both the Red Rabbit and Dial-a-Ride. Gainesville City Council members okayed the idea, and Community Service Center director Phillipa Lewis-Moss coordinated the public hearings.

Both Hall County and the city of Gainesville financially support the public transit system.

In addition to discussing a fare increase, officials will discuss other changes at the public hearings, including the possible elimination and/or reconfiguration of one or more bus routes.