Athens Transit Eyes Saturday Service Return via Tax Vote

Athens voters to decide 0.2% income tax increase to fund Saturday bus service return

Athens Ties Saturday Bus Return to Tax Vote

Athens Public Transit could restore Saturday service for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic if voters approve a 0.2% income tax increase in the May 5 election. Athens Mayor Steve Patterson pledged to bring back weekend service, which ended in 2020 and hasn't returned despite the system's 13% ridership growth. The proposed increase would raise the city's income tax rate from 1.95% to 2.15%, generating $1.8 million annually for the city's $20 million general fund.

Context & Background

The Saturday service restoration represents a key test of voter support after a larger tax increase failed last year. A previous 0.3% income tax proposal was rejected by a wide margin, prompting city officials to scale back their request. The transit system currently serves Albany, Athens, Chauncey, Nelsonville, and The Plains across Athens County. Free rides funded by a $150,000 annual AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio grant through 2026 have helped boost ridership to 343,000 passengers last year, demonstrating renewed demand for public transportation in the region.

Key Details

If approved, the tax revenue would flow into city coffers in April and October 2027, with Saturday service likely launching in 2028, Patterson said. The city currently dedicates 0.82% of its general fund revenue to the transportation assistance fund, with $150,000 recently allocated to Athens Public Transit. The additional $1.8 million from the proposed tax increase would significantly expand the transit budget beyond current appropriations. Patterson also expressed interest in eventually adding Sunday service, though he didn't provide a timeline for that expansion.

Timeline & Implementation

Voters will decide the tax increase's fate on May 5, with results determining whether Saturday service planning can proceed. The nearly two-year gap between voter approval and service restoration reflects the city's revenue collection schedule and the time needed to hire drivers, adjust schedules, and coordinate operations. Officials haven't specified exact service hours or route frequencies for the restored Saturday operations.

Rider Impact & Moovit

The restoration would give riders weekend access to jobs, shopping, and services for the first time in five years, particularly benefiting the system's growing ridership base that's relied on free fares since 2025. Patterson said the expansion would improve mobility options for residents who've lacked Saturday transit since the pandemic. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for Athens Public Transit routes across Athens County.