Saint John Transit should be run more like a business as it faces a deficit this year that could be anywhere from 400 to 800 thousand dollars.
That argument being made by Common Councillor Gerry Lowe who says there could be other opportunities to raise much needed revenue by capitalising on taking tourists to places outside Saint John like Saint Andrews. St. Martins or even Boston because, in his view, there is money to be made.
While the cost of the bus service per hour has risen to 102 dollars, revenue has dropped from 5.1 million dollars to 4.7 million this year. In addition, Saint John Transit also has to pay 300 thousand dollars in property tax which, for bus companies, is unique only in New Brunswick.
General Manager Frank McCarey is leery about raising fares at a time of declining ridership. The last time fares went up was in 2011.
