No April fools joke. It’s going to cost more to ride Freedom Transit come April 1. For the first time since 2018, fares will increase for Shared Ride and ADA Complementary Paratransit service. Executive Director Sheila Gombita says rising operating costs are to blame. Shared Ride passengers will pay between 25-and-50-cents more per one-way trip. Riders on the ADA Complementary Paratransit service will pay 45-cents more per trip. Gombita says the average cost per trip has increase by 33-percent since the last fare increase. Those increases include fuel, wages and insurance. Trips to senior centers and adult day cares for registered individuals age 65 and older will continue to be provided at no charge thanks to a sponsorship from the Southwest Pa. Area Agency on Aging. Freedom Transit will also be offering same-day trips for riders registered in the Shared Ride program. Historically, riders have been required to make reservations at least one day in advance. Under the pilot program, passengers with last minute needs can request a trip for the same day as long as space is available at no additional cost.