NORMAL - The Bloomington-Normal Public Transit system likely will get $1 million less for fiscal 2009 than expected from a state operational grant, trustees learned Tuesday.

Transit system officials also issued a reminder Tuesday that fare increases go into effect Monday, with the cost to ride fixed routes changing to $1 per ride for adults. Seniors, disabled riders, and children Kindergarten and younger may ride free. The increase was approved July 20.

As for the state funding, while Twin City bus leaders had expected to get about $4.8 million, news this week from the Illinois Department of Transportation indicates BNPTS is set to receive closer to $3.75 million, said Pete Weber, transit system general manager.

There's no indication when the first quarterly payment of that IDOT Downstate Operating Assistance grant money will arrive either, said Weber, noting the state's award letter is late, and hasn't arrived. Also at the meeting, the board renewed separate universal-access agreements with two campuses.

The partnerships allow Illinois State University students and Lincoln College-Normal students to ride fare-free by displaying student identification. Lincoln College-Normal will pay $4,653 for a contract dated Sept. 1 through June 30. Pending contract authorization, Illinois State University would pay about $153,718, for a fiscal 20009 contract.

Financing methods for each partnership are different, with ISU compensating the transit system based on the previous year's rider numbers. Lincoln is charged a flat rate, based on its history with the system, said Weber. This year's Lincoln contract is roughly 30 percent higher than last year, reflecting the system's Sept. 1 fare increase for regular riders.

However, a 30 percent increase proposed to ISU's 2008 figure (about $148,500) drew opposition from ISU finance officials. Citing a continued reduction in state support to the campus, they counter-offered a 3.5 percent increase as something they could manage. Trustees agreed, and are awaiting contract approval from ISU.

The smaller increase would have to be only a one-time offer, though, said trustee Tom Hamilton.

By next year, the contract would need to be renegotiated with ISU at a higher rate, more in tune with the transit system's rising operating costs, especially for fuel, said trustee Mark Peterson.

Trustees agreed Illinois State University is a large, valued contract. But they contend the service they provide must be cost effective, as well. Trustees also discussed possibly revamping the entire universal access concept, and how it's administered.

Trustee John Thomas said the board might consider establishing policies for allowing all Twin City college students access to a university pass, and for how to address large employers' proposals for rider-ship programs.

Currently, the transit system is exploring such a pilot program with State Farm Insurance Cos.