UNC students passed a fare-free busing referendum on Feb. 13. If the local governments agree to the fare-free plan, student fees will increase by $8.49 per semester in the fall and spring and $1.49 per credit hour during summer school sessions.
In a presentation outlining the proposal, Chapel Hill Transportation Director Mary Lou Kuschatka said the funding for fare-free busing would be shared, with Chapel Hill providing 44.3 percent of the funds, UNC 39.7 percent and Carrboro 16 percent.
Kuschatka said although all three involved parties have shown enthusiasm for the plan, officials say there are many factors that must be considered.
"Right now all buses with the exception of those in shop are being used," she said. "At this time, it's impossible without other buses. Others have been contracted, but they're not expected for arrival until about mid-October. We're limited with what can be done between now and August 15 (when students return to campus)."
Kuschatka fielded concerns from council members, saying while it would be ideal for the fare-free busing to start next fall, it would be more feasible to aim for a Jan. 1, 2002 deadline.
But with available resources, she said many aspects of the proposal can be funded, including an additional campus shuttle and an increase in bus service to the park-and-ride lots and the F route until 8 p.m.
Kuschatka said the University also is requesting extended P route service and the alteration of other bus routes. These requests would be implemented as part of the 2002 plan.
Town Council member Bill Strom said he supports the plan because the financial burden on residents would be minimal.
"I think we spent a similar amount to this last year on service expansion," he said. "I'm comfortable tying these additional services to fare-free, and I think it's a good idea. The University and the community are enthusiastic and looking forward to this."
