KINGSTON – As inflation continues to rise due to all-time high gas prices and the cost of goods, some Ulster County legislators would like to explore reducing or cutting the fares of the Ulster County Area Transit system (UCAT).
As with most mass transit systems, the Federal Transit Authority subsidizes the local operating expenses, but the agency also requires income in the fareboxes.
County Legislator Laura Petit, who supports some form of reduced fares, said there could be alternatives.
“Whether we look at a flex program through businesses for their employees and turn that into spot or a not-for-profit donates cards of the legislature could fund that,” she said. “But they are going to need some sort of income to bring in the income.”
Petit said the county executive’s team and county finance department will research to determine how much money would be required in order to consider modifying fares.
