Muncie, Indiana Transit System ridership is up 10 percent year to date, which translates into 100 thousand more people utilizing public transportation. This increase in usage means that Muncie is receiving 8.9 percent more state funding for the coming year. Funding is increasing by $100,000, from a little less than $1.2 million to just under $1.3 million.
Deputy Chief of Staff and Press Secretary for the Indiana State Senate Jeff Harris attributed part of the increase as being from the state receiving more money from the federal level, but also said it is because of the importance of the Muncie transit system.
"It is one of the largest systems, as far as miles covered and users, in the state," Harris said.
The additional money will go into operating assistance, Becky Meadows, director of finance for MITS said. This will include drivers' wages, benefits and fuel.
"70 percent of our budget is wages and benefits, and you know how bad it is with fuel prices," Meadows said. "In fact, our ridership is increasing because of fuel prices. It still amazes me that people are willing to give up the convenience of a car to ride the bus."
There are no special projects planned for the use of the money.
Senator Allie Craycraft Jr., who represents Muncie, said he feels the money would be best used for fuel because of the unexpected rise in costs.
"Something is definitely needed because of the increase in fuel costs," Craycraft said. "They need additional money to keep doing the same service they are providing."
Meadows said that MITS will continue to receive more funding as ridership continues to increase because it is factored into the equation that determines state funding. She said that is not MITS goal however.
MITS is only trying to "enjoy an increase in ridership," Meadows said. "That's our main purpose, trying to transport the citizens of Muncie from point A to point B."
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