(Springfield, MO January 12, 2023) OATS Transit’s Southwest Region is announcing a fare increase that will take effect in February 2023 as part of its efforts to help offset increased operating cost. The fares are necessary to maintain current levels of service and will directly impact the company’s operating budget. The new fares will be as follows:
New Fares (one-way)
· In-town: $2.00
· In-county: $3.00
· Adjacent County: $4.00
· Long-Distance (3 or more counties): $6.00
· En-route stop: $1.00 each stop
Seniors age 60+ and individuals with disabilities age 18-59 riding under AAA contract do not have a set fare, but are asked to contribute a minimum amount for their rides.
The increases will affect the counties of Barry, Barton, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Ozark, Polk, Stone, Taney, Webster, and Wright Counties. Schedules are located online at www.oatstransit.org; click on the bus schedules tab, then the county you live in. Area residents wanting to schedule rides should call the local office at 417-887-9272 or 800-770-6287.
Starting in February Southwest Region drivers will no longer handle cash payments from riders. Instead, riders can add funds to their account in advance, and fares will be withdrawn each time a rider rides. Riders can call 888-975-6287 to add funds to their account, which requires a minimum of $10 each time. Riders can also send personal check, money order, or cashier’s check prior to riding the bus by mail to: OATS Transit, 2909 N. Martin Ave, Springfield, MO 65803.
OATS, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit corporation providing specialized transportation for rural residents of any age, seniors and individuals with disabilities in 87 Missouri counties. OATS Transit is the largest and most unique transportation provider of its kind in the country. For more information about OATS Transit, please visit www.oatstransit.org, and follow us at www.Facebook.com/oatstransit
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