JAC fare going down for youths

Carson City's bus system, Jump Around Carson, will offer rate reductions to riders ages 5 to 18 starting Monday.

One-way rides on the city's fixed-route system will cost youths 50 cents. The 10-ride punch cards will cost $4 and monthly passes $12.50.

The rates will be the same as those now offered to riders age 65 and older, and the disabled. Residents with disabilities can also apply to use JAC Assist, a separate transportation system that picks up and drops off riders where needed.

Youths take about 100 rides on JAC each month and pay about $1 for each ride. The monthly reduction of about $25 should be offset by a little more money from the federal government and more youths using the system, said Patrick Pittenger, the city's transportation manager.

"Therefore, the impact should be negligible," he said.

Cost for a summer youth pass will be further reduced for children involved in the reading program at the Carson City Library. Sign-ups begin for this summer's reading program on June 9, which ends Aug. 4.

Students could ride the bus all summer long - early June through late August - for $25 if they're in the reading program, and for $30 if they're not.

JAC stops in front of such youth-friendly locations as the library, the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada, and close to the city's community and aquatic centers.

Rates for adult riders are: One-way $1, 10-ride cards $8 and monthly passes $25. Students at Western Nevada Community College can also buy bus passes for a reduced rate.

The passes can be purchase at the Treasurer's office inside City Hall, 201 N. Carson St., the Courthouse, 885 East Musser St.; the city's Transit Operations Office, 3303 Butti Way; the WNCC bookstore, 2201 W. College Parkway; the Carson City Senior Center at 901 Beverly Drive; and the Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop St.

JAC runs weekdays 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Routes are on 60-minute cycles. The buses don't run on Sundays or major holidays.

Ridership on JAC continues to rise each month. Nearly 8,100 used the system in April, Pittenger said.

Children younger than 5 ride for free. Children younger than 10 shouldn't be riding the buses without an adult, he emphasized.

Contact JAC at 887-7433 for details about programs.

The separate "Kids on the Go" bus won't be running again this summer.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

How to ride JAC

The Jump Around Carson Web site offers an online guide on how to ride a city bus, including how to plan your trip and how to behave courteously: www.carson-city.nv.us/Index.aspx?page=1410