When the Lutheran Service Society of Western Pennsylvania stops operating the Butler County shared ride transportation program, also known as Butler Area Rural Transit, later this year, riders shouldn't see a difference.

The county commissioners Monday opened bids from a Pittsburgh company, Transport U, and a Butler agency, the Center for Community Resources, to perform the service.

Both bids quote the current rates.

The Lutheran Society earlier this summer notified the county it couldn't afford to run the BART service without additional compensation.

The county previously informed the society the current payment rate — $7.85 per one-way ride with another $3.50 for each additional zone crossed — wouldn't be increased.

BART riders paying full price, those aged 59 and younger, are charged $10.95 for each one-zone trip, $14.95 for two-zone trips and $18.95 for three-zone trips.

However, many trips are fully or partially subsidized by various state and county funding sources.

More than 70 percent of the riders are at least 65 years old and mainly use the service for "prioritized" trips, including medical, physical therapy, dental, pharmacy and senior center visits.

For riders 65 and older, the state Department of Transportation pays for 85 percent of the costs for any type of trip with the county Area Agency on Aging paying the remaining 15 percent.

For riders aged 60 to 64, the Area Agency on Aging pays 100 percent of prioritized trips and 85 percent of nonprioritized trips. These riders pay the remaining 15 percent for nonprioritized trips.

Janine Kennedy, director of county community action, said a contract should be awarded by early September with an Oct. 1 transition date.

The Lutheran Society has agreed to maintain service at the current rate until the transition.

The county owns the BART buses, so the same vehicles will be used.

Kennedy said even the same drivers will likely be used.

"The customers should not see any difference," she said after the meeting.

Since the 19 drivers and three office staff members will work for the service's new operator, each person must be rehired.