By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky balanced its fiscal year 2004 budget Wednesday night with increased fares, route reductions, two job cuts and a change in health insurance plans.

Facing an $816,500 deficit, TANK'S board of directors voted unanimously to increase 14 of its 15 fares beginning Sept. 6. Basic fares will rise to $1.25 for adults, 50 cents for senior or disabled citizens, and 75 cents for students.

"It's going to be tough," said Jimmy Williams of Covington, a frequent TANK rider who spoke against the increase for disabled and senior citizens.

The increases are the first in three years and follow a one-year wage freeze imposed on all 250 TANK employees July 1.

The new rates are expected to generate $350,000 in additional revenue.

"Given the funding issues, we have a significant deficit and have no choice," board and finance committee member Bob Boswell Jr. said before the fare increase was put to a vote.

The board also voted to eliminate the weekend Day Tripper routes, two trips of the No. 4 bus serving Park Hills, and two trips of the No. 23 bus serving South Bellevue.

The two job cuts will be in administration and maintenance.

The operating budget for TANK this year is $14.4 million, $12.1 million of which comes from Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties. TANK asked the three counties for a 6 percent increase in funding this year, but the request was denied.

TANK transports 3.8 million people each year on 135 buses and 28 routes.

New fares

Adult - $1.25

Senior/Disabled - 50 cents

RAMP - $1

Student - 75 cents

Southbank Shuttle - $1

Ticket Book (10 rides) - $11.25

RAMP Ticket Book - $9

Student tickets (12 rides) - $9

Day tripper - $2

TANK monthly pass - $45

RAMP Monthly Pass - $40

Senior/disabled sticker - $20

Metro/TANK pass - $60

P&R pass - $70

Metro Transfer - 40 cents (only fare not increased)