Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging to Hold Public Meetings Over Rate Increase

The Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging (BVAAA)will be holding public meetings to discuss the necessity of a rate increase for transportation services.BVAAA provides public transportation services to Jefferson, Gage, Thayer Otoe and Nemaha counties. The various sources of funding have not kept up with increasing costs. According to an email from Director Carla Frase, “Our transit system operates under the 5311 program, and funded through the Nebr. Dept. of Transportation (NDOT). Simply put, these funds that are allocated from the Federal Government are lower than the need for public transportation. The funds asked for from all transit systems statewide was $18.1 Million. Nebraska only receives $11.9 Million of these funds. For years, NDOT has had carry over funding from year to year, to assist in the sustainment of each transit system. This carry over funding has met its limit. The transit systems have increased at such a rate since and during COVID, that all carry over funds have been spent and going forward, all will have to live within this limited budget. Due to this, we experienced a 30 percent cut to our FY2026 submitted budget, which amounts to $250,000. Without an influx of extra county and city funding, raising Fares and reducing service must happen to keep even the minimal service intact.” The proposed increases will go into effect March 30, 2026, after all time has expired for public comment to be received and reviewed. The rates will increase from $3 to $4 for a one-way trip within the community, from $6 to $10 between communities and a one-way trip to Lincoln would increase from $12 to $30. A one-way trip to Omaha, which was not previously offered, will cost $40.The meeting will be held on Friday, March 13, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the at the Blue Rivers Administration Building, 103 Eastside Boulevard in Beatrice.

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