Dodger Area Rapid Transit (DART) and MIDAS Regional Transit Authority are proposing fare increases for riders throughout the Fort Dodge area.

If approved, the increases would take effect Aug. 1.

“We have a shortage in the budget and we need to raise rates to continue,” said Shelly Mahan, MIDAS transit director.

DART and MIDAS operate the service for the City of Fort Dodge and receive some of their funding from the city property tax levy, as well as receiving state and federal funds.

DART is proposing increasing fares for adults from $1.50 per ride to $1.75.

Students and senior rides would increase from $1 to $1.25 per ride.

Para-transit would increase from $3 per ride to $3.50.

Route passes would increase from $35 to $37, while students and seniors would increase from $15 to $25.

MIDAS, which operates DART, is also considering discontinuing the Jefferson Lines connection between Fort Dodge and Williams. According to Mahan, MIDAS previously reduced the Line from operating seven days a week to just three days.

“The ridership is just not there,” said Mahan. “The line has high operating costs and we’re looking to reduce those costs.”

MIDAS will host two meetings at its downtown location, 602 First Ave. S., on July 21 at 5:30 p.m. and July 22 at 1 p.m.

According to Mahan, staff will be available to answer any questions about the changes as well as to provide additional information. Written comments for the meetings must be submitted by noon on July 21 and should be sent to Mahan via email at SMahan@midascog.net or mailed to DART Transit, 602 First Ave. S., Fort Dodge 50501.

“I hope that folks realize that this is a service that we’re trying to continue providing,” said Mahan. “We haven’t raised our rates in quite awhile. We aren’t trying to make this a hardship. We hope that everyone will continue to support us and to ride.”