Monsey Trails Rraising Fares

Monsey, NY - Rising gas prices mean Rockland bus riders will have to pay more to travel from the county to New York City starting June 1. Monsey Trails is considering increases ranging from 4 percent to 11 percent for trips to the city.

Monsey Trails, which offers service to Manhattan and Brooklyn, said the price of its 40-trip book would increase from $230 to $240, a 4.3 percent hike. The cash fare from its two Ramapo stops to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, will go up to $9 from $8, or 12.5 percent. "As a result of dramatically high prices of insurance and fuel, we are left with no choice but to increase our fare rates," Monsey Trails' general manager J.J. Lunger wrote in a courtesy letter to county transportation officials.

Lunger said the new fares hadn't been finalized. Officials planned to decide this week but wanted to give riders advance notice just in case, he said. "We can do it if we feel we have to, but it's not confirmed yet," said Lunger, adding they were watching for a change in fuel prices.