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Gainesville's local bus service may have to make some major changes in the coming months. Regional Transit System is proposing to eliminate two bus routes, reduce the frequency of buses along 12 other routes and increase fares from $1 to $1.25. The RTS Citizens Advisory Board held a public hearing last night to discuss a proposed fare increase, as well as changes to the bus service. City Commissioner Jack Donovan says it's clearly due to the increase in fuel costs, and they will have to make a decision on whether they will increase the budget or increase the fares.

In order for the city commission to represent the ideas of the people, they need to know what they think about the issue.

Donovan tells us the specifics have not yet been discussed.
He adds, the change in revenue limits is all up to the commissioners at this point.

Donovan says the meeting will last a good majority of the day, but will begin tomorrow at 9 AM.

With the astonishing statistics Donovan shares, it's clear the bus service is a definite need in our community.

The possibility of the move has caused a stir in the community...with over 50 concerned citizens who voiced their opposition at a public hearing last night.