For the second year in a row, Athens-Clarke County officials are considering raising bus fares to avoid cuts to services.

Athens Transit will hold a public hearing on the proposed fare increase from 2–3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Multimodal Center.

Director Butch McDuffie said he is considering raising the $1.60 fare (for most adults; children, the elderly and the disabled pay less) by 10, 15 or 20 cents, along with a 10, 15 or 25 cent transfer fee. 

He will make a recommendation to Mayor Nancy Denson in January, he said, and she will release her proposed fiscal 2015 budget in May for a commission vote in June.

"Bottom line, it's a choice between raising fares, increasing general fund contributions [by taxpayers] or reducing services next year," McDuffie said.

Denson cut bus service after 10 p.m. in 2011. Last year, the commission opted to raise fares by 10 cents rather than cut service again.

If you miss tomorrow's hearing, another one is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, and written comments will be accepted between now and then.