Hamilton County Express, the county’s public transportation system run by Janus Developmental Services, will be increasing its rates May 1 after learning it will receive reduced funding this year.

One-way adult fares will increase from $4 to $5 at the beginning of next month. Janus CEO Connie Sanders said the rate increase was necessitated afterNoblesvilleTownshipinformed the nonprofit it would be cutting all funding this year.

According to Sanders, 51 percent of all Hamilton County Express passengers originate fromNoblesvilleTownship– approximately 45,000 rides a year.

“We can’t even keep up with our demand,” Sanders said. “Our denial list keeps increasing. It doesn’t matter how many buses we put on the road.”

Sanders said Hamilton County Express will continue servicing passengers fromNoblesvilleTownship, despite the funding cut.

“We had a (tactical advisory committee) meeting, and a guy from IndyGo said when a portion of the county stops supporting them (IndyGo), they cut off service,” Sanders said. “We considered that. But, we’re part of this community. Ultimately, we decided the only thing to do was to increase rates.”

For more information about Janus Developmental Services or the Hamilton County Express, visit www.janus-inc.org.