Written by Erin Flynn
There could be fare increases and new buses ahead for Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) bus riders, based on the proposed draft of their fiscal year 2018 budget.
PRTC’s Director of Finance and Administration Joyce Embrey presented details on the estimated $60.3 million budget at a public hearing last night in Woodbridge.
Budget documents show that in order to accommodate a $4.2 million rise from their FY17 budget, PRTC is considering around a 5% fare increase. Regular day passes, under the plan, would rise from $3.40 to $3.60 – regular weekly passes would increase from $13.65 to $14.35.
Fare increases and financial troubles have been a long time issue for PRTC and the organization has undergone some structural changes, hiring an new Executive Director, and sending out a survey to Prince William residents to assess their needs.
An important piece of PRTC’s budget is a $24.1 million set aside for buses and related infrastructure, around a $2.6 million increase from the amount allocated in last year’s budget.
One financial woe that Embrey addressed was the City of Manassas’ fuel tax fund balance deficit, which could be resolved in their municipal budgeting process.
“Manassas City in its proposed budget on their website has indicated that they would be providing additional funds to help with the fuel tax shortfall,” Embrey said. “The city’s budget is anticipated to be approved in … May, and so based on what we have heard and seen, it appears that for FY18, the deficit for the city’s fuel tax account may be averted based on actions by the city.”
PRTC plans to approve their final FY18 budget in June.
