Fares are going up later this year for passengers of the largest regional transit authority in western Massachusetts.
The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Advisory Board Monday approved a 20 percent fare hike effective July 1st.
The cost of a bus trip will go up a quarter to $1.50. A monthly pass will increase from $45 to $54.
Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, who chairs the 24-member board, said it is the first fare increase in ten years.
" I believe it is a reasonable increase," said Narkewicz who added that PVTA's fares will still be among the lowest of any public transit system in the state.
The PVTA had looked at a 25 percent fare increase, but lowered it after reviewing comments from a series of public hearings.
The PVTA is also planning to cut service on 36 of its 42 bus routes starting in September unless the agency gets $3 million more from the next state budget.
