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Aberdeen council approves Rideline base fare increase from $2 to $3
Summary
The city council approved a $1 increase to the Rideline base fare, a change staff says is intended to improve fare‑box recovery to about 15%; staff plans a public meeting before implementing the change.
The City of Aberdeen voted to raise the Rideline base fare from $2 to $3 for the 2025–26 season and directed staff to pursue the next steps required by the state.
Transportation Director Rich Bridal told the council Rideline’s fare‑box recovery has been running at roughly 10–12% and that the South Dakota Department of Transportation recommends a 15% fare‑box recovery. Staff presented two ridership‑impact scenarios — an estimated 8% decline and a 16% decline — and said the council preferred the smaller projected drop as the basis for planning.
Why it matters: Raising the base fare will increase passenger costs across cash fares and affect discounted fares and passes derived from the base rate. Staff said youth and seasonal program fares that are percentage‑based will increase proportionally with the base fare.
Council discussion Council members asked for clarification about how the fare change would affect seasonal youth passes and other multi‑ride products; staff said percentage‑based fares will adjust proportionally, which will increase some discounted season pass rates. Staff also said the increase will be carried to DOT for its review and that a public meeting on the proposal is planned before adoption.
Vote The council approved the increase by roll call; all voting members present voted aye.
Implementation Staff said they will proceed with the public outreach required by DOT and return with implementation details and revised fare‑media pricing.
