Abilene bus fares may rise for first time in years

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Abilene’s bus service could be increasing its fares for the first time in at least eight years, and the decision is now expected to go before the city council for its first reading.

The City of Abilene’s Department of Transportation presented the proposal, sharing that the last increase for CityLink services was in 2016, and they are currently facing inflation and driver shortages.

The proposed increase would roll out in two phases. The first phase would raise the current rate for an adult monthly pass from $45 to $53. A year from now, the rate would increase again to $61 starting October 1, 2026. Director of Transportation Don Green said the price increase will also help them stay competitive as an employer.

“We’ve just reached that point where we need the extra revenue to kind of take on those extra costs, including the cost of the raises that CityLink employees got effective October 1st. So that’s really the motivation behind this,” Green explained. “[Customers] understand we’re up against higher costs and have to help meet that cost with new revenues. Otherwise, we could be looking at service cuts, and nobody wants to do that.”

Resident Darrell Anderson said that compared to big city prices, he does not mind the increase.

“It’s definitely something good to have bus fare, but $60, coming from New York City, that’s not too bad. Normally, it’s like 85, 100, something like that. So, $45 is manageable, $50 is manageable,” Anderson said.

After the initial reading on Thursday, the proposition will go before the council again on October 23 for the final reading and vote. If approved, the new price would go into effect on November 3, 2025.