VTA raises prices on six categories of bus passes

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A handful of VTA passes increased in price at the beginning of this year. — File photo by Susan Safford

In keeping with a five-year business plan, the cost of Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus passes increased on Jan. 1.

The seven-day pass went from $25 to $30; the annual pass went from $120 to $130; the annual passes for Island seniors jumped from $25 to $30; the annual pass for Island students went from $35 to $40; the non-Island youth pass increased from $60 to $65; and the disabled and non-Island senior pass went from $60 to $65.

Students and seniors who live on the Island may purchase the specially discounted passes at Island schools and town councils on aging, respectively.

Before the increase schedule was approved in 2013, the cost for most passes had not been raised since 2004. Exceptions were the daily pass, which increased in 2009, and the annual senior pass, which increased in 2010.

The five-year price increase schedule was voted on by the VTA board in December 2013, and generally allows for a gradual increase on passes at the beginning of each calendar year.