Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – During Tuesday’s Public Service Council Committee meeting, updates were provided regarding GOJO, the city’s public transportation service.
Lee Wells, GOJO director, told committee members about two potential changes to the transit system: fare changes and route adjustments. Wells emphasized that both possible changes would undergo a period of public comment and review before being finalized.
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For the new routes, the following are being considered, according to documents presented at the meeting:
- Greensboro Village expansion
- Highland Drive/Culberhouse Drive/Southwest Drive (documents note that 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
Also being proposed is a “special events” route to Craighead Forest Park. Wells said this route would not be offered daily, but would instead be available when different events are hosted at the park.
In addition, fare increases are being proposed to help offset inflation and increasing fuel costs. Standard fare would increase from its current rate of $1.25 to $2. Adult students, who currently pay a $0.90 fare, will see the fare increase to $1.25. Those who pay reduced fares – veterans, seniors, youth, and those on Medicare – will see an increase from $0.60 to $1.
Additionally, GOJO 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.
“What you’re looking at is you’re reducing the wait time for loading and unloading the passengers, you’re also reducing that upfront cost to the standard public that are using the route on a regular daily basis,” Wells said.
“Because there is no upfront cost that allows anyone to get in on that program and utilize that fare capping, they don’t have to necessarily come up with that $60 for a monthly pass right at the beginning. They can pay on it through the month to be able to use that as they’re riding,” he added.
During his presentation, Wells said the goal is to have this implemented before the start of the Fall 2026 college school year.
Installation of bus shelters across Jonesboro is nearly complete, Wells told committee members. One shelter still needs to be installed, as the boring for the electrical lines needs to be completed before concrete can be poured. Boring is required for six more shelters before the building and installing of all shelters is complete.
| READ MORE: New shelters to be installed at JET bus stops across Jonesboro
Work is continuing on installing electricity and signage, which, barring weather concerns, Wells said should take about two weeks before the shelter project is finished.
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