WDEF News 12

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CARTA got public input Monday night on how riders want to balance a one million dollar budget shortfall from rising fuel costs.

CARTA offered a number of possible options...like eliminating routes, cutting some weekend service and reducing frequency. Riders were against eliminating service. Many would prefer raising fees. Some even offered to sponsor buses.

Karl Epperson, CARTA Rider, "Talking about sponsorship I'm not a rich man but I'm willing to open an account at Regions Bank and put 100 dollars into that account.

CARTA plans to aggressively pursue sponsorship for the free shuttles and raise downtown parking rates. A decision on what else to do is expected July 17th.

We climbed aboard a bus from Downtown to Eastgate and Hamilton Place to meet some of the riders and see how public transportation impacts their lives.

Silver Roundtree, CARTA Rider, "I ride the bus all the time. I have a pass from school."

Silver Roundtree got rid of her car when she retired.

Roundtree, "I go to UTC and I ride the bus to school."

But that doesn't keep this busy woman down.

Roundtree, "I received a Bachelor in anthropology in May and I'm finishing a bachelor in fine arts."

Now CARTA provides her with wheels to get around.

Reporter, "If you weren't riding the bus how would you be able to get around?"

Roundtree, "I would not, unless I walk. I do a lot of walking for exercise but I cannot walk from where I live to school. "

On our hour-long ride from Downtown to Hamilton Place we met many passengers like Silver who depend on CARTA.

Patricia Williams, "We don't have no transportation except for the city bus and we go and buy groceries and stuff and you know we like to get out and eat."

Patricia Williams rides three or four times a week.

Williams , "I'm really concerned about them cutting the service."

And the bus provides Melverline Anderson's only way to get to work.

Melverline Anderson, "It's very important because If we didn't have the buses it would be very difficult for me to get around to places that I need to go." CARTA raised fares at the end of June because of sky rocketing fuel prices.

Another increase is expected this fall.

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