Public Participation

PUBLIC NOTICE

Coast Transit Authority Proposed Fare Rate Increase for Fixed Route Bus Service – Request for Public Comment

Notice Period: September 15, 2023, to October 15, 2023

Introduction:
The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) is considering a proposed fare rate increase specifically for its fixed route bus service. As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and public engagement, we are opening a public comment period to seek feedback from our riders, stakeholders, and the general public.

Details of Proposed Fare Increase:

  • Regular Fare: From $1.50 to $1.75
  • Half Fare (Senior/Disabled): From $0.75 to $0.85
  • Reason for Proposed Increase:
    The proposed fare rate increase arises from the inflationary cost of conducting business. In FY2022, CTA experienced an 8.5% inflation rate, and in FY2023, a 3.3% inflation rate. To ensure continued quality service while addressing these financial challenges, a fare adjustment is deemed necessary.
  • Public Comment Period:
    All interested parties are invited to share their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed fare rate increase. The comment period will run from September 15 to October 15, 2023.

 

Ways to Comment:

  1. Online: Visit CTA’s official website (www.coasttransit.com) to fill out the online feedback form. (See bottom of this page.)
  2. Mail: Send your written comments to:
    Coast Transit Authority
    Marketing/Mobility Coordinator
    333 DeBuys Road
    Gulfport, MS   39507
  3. In-Person: Attend one of two public meetings. Public comments will be recorded and included in our considerations.
    1. Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., at the Biloxi Transit Center, located at 820 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Biloxi, MS.
    2. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., at the Gulfport Transit Center, located at 1401 20th Avenue, Gulfport, MS.
  4. Virtual Meeting: Join our virtual public meeting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
    1. The link to participate are available here:
    Join Zoom Meeting
    Meeting ID: 936 9614 4237
    Passcode: vacRM3
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    Meeting ID: 936 9614 4237
    Passcode: 996500
    Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acN4Rvc8fm

What Happens Next?
After the closure of the public comment period, CTA will review all received comments and feedback. Decisions regarding the fare increase will be made in consideration of this feedback, alongside other operational needs. Any adopted fare changes will be announced publicly with sufficient notice before implementation.

Stay Informed:
We encourage all our riders and stakeholders to stay informed and participate actively in the decision-making process. Updates on the fare increase proposal and the outcome of the public comment period will be available on our official website and our social media channels.

For further questions or clarifications, please contact our Marketing/Mobility Coordinator at 228-896-8080, extension 234, or email ctainfo@coasttransit.com.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us serve the community better.

30-Day Public Comment Period on Proposed Fare Increase

September 15 to October 15, 2023

Put your name, email, and phone number if you want a response to your comment.

PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY SO WE CAN READ YOUR COMMENTS