Legislator Wieder Opposes Rockland Bus Rate Increases

New City (May 28, 2014) – Rockland County Legislator and Majority Leader Aron B. Wieder (Spring Valley - District 13) expressed his opposition with the recent decision to increase bus fares for Transport of Rockland (TOR) bus routes.

"People who utilize the county bus system are individuals who are conscious of the environment or cannot afford transportation options," said Legislator Wieder. "These increases will hurt many people across Rockland, especially in my district, which includes a large number of people who simply cannot afford it."

Legislator Wieder pointed out that as part of the rate hikes, those who use the bus routes frequently and purchase groups of tickets known as SuperSaver tickets will see a tremendous hike. Before the increase, riders paid $11 for 10 tickets, and now they will pay $20 for 11 tickets. That amounts to a 65% increase when broken down by cost per ride - from $1.10 to $1.82.

"It is important for the public to know that these increases were unilaterally approved by the county Public Transportation Department, and the County Legislature was not involved in this process, and unfortunately had no input," Legislator Wieder added. "While the County Executive and Legislature are diligently working on ways to relieve the deficit, it should not be done on the backs of the neediest residents of Rockland County."

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