April 12, 2024
DPW ANNOUNCES VITRAN FARE CHANGES TO TAKE EFFECT IN JUNE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW) is informing the public that fares for the Virgin Islands Transit System (VITRAN) fixed-route and paratransit services will increase this summer.
Starting Saturday, June 1, 2024, fixed-route services will be $2 and Paratransit services will be $4. Discounts for Medicare Cardholders and free rides for seniors will remain in effect.
“Since 2021, we have been analyzing the financial viability of the services provided by VITRAN,” said Commissioner Derek Gabriel. “We have seen services being adversely impacted by global economic factors, such as the pandemic, and operating costs have skyrocketed – whether it’s the cost for replacement parts, consumables such as diesel and oil, and replacement buses. While we have implemented revenue generating opportunities, the fact is we cannot continue operating under the current fee structure.”
DPW officials decided on the fares after reading and listening to public commentary and concerns, which began on February 28, 2024, and was extended through April. The public comment period is mandated by the Feder Transit Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Originally, the changes were scheduled to go into effect on Monday, April 15, 2024, but department officials decided a summer date would provide more time for residents and visitors to prepare for the change.
“I fully understand that the global economic factors confronting VITRAN affect our riders as well, which is why this decision is difficult,” Commissioner Gabriel added. “However, the very survival of the service depends on this increase.”
As stated previously, the current fare has not changed since the inception of VITRAN services in 1994, however, an increase is necessary to offset rising fuel and maintenance costs and to provide more reliable services. VITRAN cannot sustain itself, expand, or hire more drivers without an increase.
“I want to thank the community for taking the time to send in comments. My team and I are committed to improving VITRAN’s services. We’re looking forward to creating a mass transit system that meets the community’s growing needs,” Gabriel concluded.
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