Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – GOJO, the city’s public transit system, is seeking public comment as it prepares to make adjustments and changes to its fares and routes, Director Lee Wells said during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
GOJO is considering adding new routes and increasing its fares to account for rising fuel costs. It will also be implementing a tap-to-pay system, allowing riders to pay with credit and debit cards, preloaded transit cards, and their smartphones.
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In addition, the service is considering implementing fare capping, a pay-as-you-go system that automatically tracks rides, provided the rider has a registered account. Riders who sign up for fare capping will receive a card they can preload with funds, and once their trips reach the cost of a daily, weekly, or monthly pass, every ride will be free for the remainder of that period.
The following route changes are being considered:
- Greensboro Village expansion
- Highland Drive/Culberhouse Drive/Southwest Drive (This would provide improved service to Jonesboro High School, the revenue office, and certain residential and commuter areas)
- Matthews and Annie Camp Junior High School area
- More integration into the Arkansas State University campus
The proposed fare adjustments are below:
- Standard fare: Increase from $1.25 to $2
- Adult students: Increase from $0.90 to $1.25
- Reduced fare riders (veterans, seniors, youth, and those on Medicare): Increase from $0.60 to $1
“While this is an increase of our fare structure, we actually expect a majority of our riders are going to see a savings in what their daily cost is, because once they’ve ridden those four or five trips per week, the rest of the week, they’re not going to be charged,” Wells said. “With that fare capping, the key is that no rider pays more than the cost of what that pass would be, but they’re paying that as they go.”
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Public comment on the proposed changes is now open until July 31. In addition, there are several methods to provide input. Citizens can email their thoughts to GOJOfeedback@jonesboroar.gov, with the subject line of “2026 System Updates.” Letters can also be mailed to GOJO’s Transit Administration, Attn: Public Comment Committee.
There will also be a town hall, scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Jonesboro Youth Center, located at 1421 W. Nettleton Ave.
“We look forward towards moving these things into fruition of how our service will run,” Wells said. “This is just gonna help connect our community and make us stronger as the city does continue to grow.”
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