News 12 at six o'clock, November 20, 2008

Augusta, GA---Public transit director Heyward Johnson talked exclusively to News 12 about plans to reduce bus services and raise fees. City leaders and the community is now responding.

"Just hearing this I'm really shocked and appalled," said bus rider Brittany Ward. Public transit's budget is running on empty. It is fueling calls to park city buses each Saturday.

"That'll be awful," said Brittany. "I don't think I'd know what to do if they cut Saturday service being a working person."

She is one of thousands facing a real dilemma.

"I felt really honored when I first started riding the bus," said Brittany. "I didn't have to ask for a ride. I know the bus is coming every day at this certain time."

But those days are fleeting. The city is slashing transit's budget by more than $1 million, and the timing could not be worse.

"Especially in the cold," said Brittany. "More people are going to have to walk."

Walking is not an option for people like 83 year old bus rider Helen Mitchelll.

"I have arthritis," said Helen. "I can hardly get around."

Her body's often riddled with aches and pains, and now she will have to tack on pain in the pocketbook.

Did we mention the suggested fare increase?

Talk about paying more for less. The second largest city in the state of Georgia looking to increase fares to from $1.00 to $1.50 while cutting weekend service all together. That accounts for 11 routes.

"Everybody's got a problem," said Commissioner Don Grantham. "Everybody's got a problem with this economy the way it is today. We don't know what we are going to do."

"We may have to do away with some part of the Saturday service," said Grantham. "I'm not for cutting it all."

"I don't know who's thinking about that plan," said Brittany. "But they need to rethink."

Bus fares bring in about $800,00. The cost to keep city buses running is $4 million.