BC Transit Unlimited Bus Passes Restored After Protests

After a firestorm of complaints, a plan to drop unlimited BC Transit bus passes has been changed. But prices for the passes would go up.

Broome County executive Debra Preston Wednesday afternoon announced a revised fare structure plan that would reinstitute a 31-day unlimited ride pass. The cost would jump 33 percent, from $52.50 to $70.

Unlimited monthly passes for students, elderly and disabled riders would increase to $44. They had been $33.

The plan also would establish a one-day unlimited ride pass for five dollars and a one-week unlimited ride pass for $25.

The cost of the planned restorations is pegged at about $42,000. To help cover that expense, a new metered parking system is to be installed at the downtown Binghamton bus station at Chenango and Henry streets.

Broome County legislator chairman Jerry Marinich says Republican lawmakers have agreed to the new BC Transit fare plan.