Abilene CityLink fares to increase for first time since 2016

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – CityLink fares will soon be going up for the first time since 2016, and according to at least one rider with disabilities, the cost increase should be shared equally by everyone, including those in the disabled community.

The fare hikes will roll out in two phases: the first on November 3, and the second in October 2026.

City officials say rising operating costs for CityLink have been covered for years through grants from TxDOT, the Federal Transit Administration, and the city’s budget. But those funding sources are now fully used, and the city’s portion recently went toward driver pay raises, a move that has helped fill more driver positions. Paratransit riders are also seeing the benefits of those staffing improvements.

Rider JoAnne Fluke shared her perspective, saying, “Our concerns that we have had are the drivers. If we don’t have enough drivers, we can not be part of the community. Yes, I know that there is a raise; yes, it’s going to impact everyone, but the disability community, you can’t let it not ever impact us, the cost of living.” 

The Abilene City Council voted unanimously to approve the fare increases, which are expected to boost operating revenue by about $164,500 in 2026 and another $164,500 in Fiscal Year 2027.