The Butler Transit Authority adopted 2019-2020 budgets for its commuter service to Pittsburgh and local bus service with no fare increases and is offering free commuter rides to Pittsburgh on the third week of each month from May through August in an effort to increase ridership.

In addition to adopting the budgets Tuesday, the authority approved a promotional program aimed at getting more people to use the commuter service.

An average of 112 people ride commuter service daily, but that number has to double for the authority to keep the service after the third year of the demonstration project, said John Paul, authority executive director. The authority is offering free trips from May 13 to 17, June 17 to 21, July 15 to 19 and Aug. 12 to 16. In addition, new passengers who buy a 31-trip pass will receive a free 15-trip pass and current passengers who get someone to buy a pass receive five free rides. New passengers and current passengers must register by emailing the authority at info@butlertransit.com to receive the passes. The promotion includes the Route 68 and Route 8 buses to and from Pittsburgh.

The new fiscal year beginning July 1 marks the second year of the three-year demonstration project. Paul said ridership must meet targeted figures by the end of the third year or the service will be terminated.