The Freedom Transit began a series of public hearings on Tuesday to seek public opinion on proposed rate changes that could go into effect this summer. The hearing describes how rates will be streamlined and how some riders will see an increase in fares and how others will see a decrease. Currently Freedom Transit has four separate fares ranging from $1.50 to $5.00 depending on destination. The new proposal will look to institute a two tiered price system of $2.00 for Washington County Travel and $4.00 for Allegheny County travel. Effectively, riders that currently pay fares in Zone 1 will see an increase of fifty cents. Riders who pay fares in Zones 2 and 3 will see price decreases of fifty cents and $1.50. Allegheny County riders would see a decrease of $1.00. According to Emma Brzustowicz, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator for Freedom Transit, they have not had a fare increase since 2012. The reasons for the increase are related to inflationary costs that have risen by 35.2% for Freedom Transit since the last rate increase. That fare schedule would also align with what the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority charges. This was the first of four public hearings scheduled. The other three will be on April 30 from noon to 2:00 PM at the Heritage Public Library in McDonald, also on April 30 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg and once again on May 1 from noon to 7:00 PM at the Freedom Transit Transportation Center in Washington. After the input has been examined, if the rate changes are approved they would go into effect on July 1.