Riverhead Riders Mostly Against Bus Fare Bump, With Same Service

Standing at the Riverhead Railroad station on Tuesday afternoon, close to two dozen individuals lined up for Maureen's Haven shelter program, a daily outreach program organized for homeless individuals from Nov. 1 through April 1 every year.

Most, if not all of them - along with others lined up on Railroad Avenue - had arrived via public transportation, and were waiting on a ride to their next stop.

As Suffolk County grapples with budget issues, a proposal to raise rates on county buses might seem small to many - 50 and 25 cents, depending on the route - but the raise is something most of them say they can't afford.

At least, if services remain at their current level.

"I can't afford to drive," said Robert Lee. "Look at gas prices - up to almost $5 per gallon. At a time like this, this is the only means of transportation for a lot of people. I can't take this now."

"This is preposterous. A lot of people taking the bus are on fixed incomes," said Karen Ocacio.

Brian Hurfeldt said he takes the bus about two to two and a half hours per day, and he would pay for a better ride.

"For what we're getting, I don't think we should be charged more," he said. "We're not getting anything extra."

On Thursday, the county's Public Works and Transportation Committee is holding a public hearing at the county center in Riverside on the measure, which is expected to raise $1 million. The meeting is scheduled to run from 3 to 7 p.m.

A public hearing held on Wednesday in Hauppauge on the proposal reportedly brought about 15 riders, many of whom said they would pay more for better service.

For riders on the S92 - the route that loops from Orient, through Riverhead, to East Hampton - the proposed jump in fare from $2 to $2.25 comes a year after the county raised fare on the route from $1.50 to $2. The extra 50 cents last year came with it an increase in service - a trade-off riders felt was a fair deal.

"I'm willing to pay a little more, but I want better services," said one man, who identified himself as James M. 

On all other routes, a boost from $1.50 to $2 - the first raise in fare in 19 years - is proposed.

"I think it is reasonable to raise the fares," said Legis. Jay Schneiderman, I-Montauk, who serves as chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee. "We didn't want to go above Nassau County's rate of $2.25, but even that is a good rate ... We have to understand that we won't be able to pay our bills. This is going to be a challenging year."

While most were against the proposal, not all said a boost in fare would break their bank.

"With the price of gas going up, I can understand," said Mary Rodriguez, who said she spent the last two nights sleeping outside. "I try not to complian."