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Reduced student bus fares may disappear
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Getting to Delta College from Manteca and back on San Joaquin Regional Transit buses could cost students 50 cents more a day starting in January.

The transit district is proposing eliminating student discounts as well as almost all multi-day pass discounts in a bid to address budget shortfalls. That will impact those ages 5 to 17 and college students with the proper identification. Up to three children under the age of 5 can ride free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.

Students now pay $1.25 to ride a transit bus. That would go up 20 percent to $1.50 - the same as full fare - in January of the San Joaquin RTD board adopts the proposed fare changes.

The discount fare of 75 cents for seniors age 65 and over as well as the disabled and Medicare Card holders who have property identification will remain intact.

Dial-a-Ride will also remain at $3.

The only multi-day pass not targeted for elimination is the 31-day pass. The rates are envisioned to remain at $65 for adults $40, for students, and $30 for those who qualify for the discount fare.

Single weekend day passes will be eliminated while single weekday passes wil be kept with the rates applying for all seven days with the exception of the student one day pass that wil be eliminated. Adult day passes are $4 and the discount pass is $2. The student one-day pass fare is $3.

The RT board has given notice it will evaluate passes it has been providing to the county to distribute as they see fit for trips to the hospital, jury service and the county jail. They are also considering a pass for access to Social Services. Riders and others can provide input on the proposed rate modifications today at 5:30 p.m. at the Lathrop Library, 15461 Seventh St. at 5:30 p.m. The library is served by Route 90.

They also can comment during a public hearing planned for the Manteca Library, 320 Center St., in the McFall Room on Thursday at 6 p.m. The Manteca library is served by routes 27 and 91.

Transit systems are heavily subsidized by state and federal funds. Fares cover just a portion of what it costs to run the system.