Some fees increase, others decrease

COLUMBUS — Riders for Polk County Transportation will see some changes to fares beginning Sept. 1.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Monday and following a public hearing, approved changing the fares to ride the buses.

There were no public comments.

While some fares, such as trips to airports are increasing, others are decreasing.

Anyone 60 years of age or older can ride the transportation system inside Polk County at no charge with an approved application.

The general public fares for inside Polk County will remain at $2 and daily work trips inside Polk County will remain at $1.50 per trip.

Work trips to Landrum will remain at $4 a day and other trips to Landrum will remain at $5.

Medical or other appointments to Hendersonville will increase from $8 to $9 and the shopping shuttle to Hendersonville will increase from $5 round trip to $8 round trip.

Trips to Rutherfordton will increase from $8 to $9; trips to Asheville will decrease from $18 to $17; trips to Spartanburg will decrease from $12 to $9; trips to Greenville will decrease from $18 to $14 and trips to Hickory will increase from $30 to $33.

Trips to Shelby, Marion and Gastonia will remain the same at $15, $15 and $20 respectively.

“Under three years old is free; 4 to 13 years old is half price; 14 years and up is full price,” states the new fares.

Trips to airports are all increasing slightly.

Rides to airports are available, with the rates including up to four people.

A one-way trip to Greenville/Spartanburg Airport is increasing from $60 to $70 with the round-trip fare increasing from $120 to $130.

A one-way trip to the Asheville Airport is increasing from $50 to $65, with the round-trip remaining at $120.

A one-way trip to the Charlotte/Douglas Airport is increasing from $110 to $115, with the round-trip fare increasing from $220 to $230. A $10 fee per passenger is added for five passengers or more.

Commissioners began increasing rates in 2016. The previous fare for in-county trips was $1 and changed to $2 last year.

Anyone in Polk County can ride the transportation system. Customers can call and schedule appointments at least two days in advance at 828-894-8203.

The county recently stopped the Foothills Express because of lack of riders. Foothills Express was grant funded and made stops from Tryon to Mill Spring without an appointment.