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Welcome Freshmenl Vol. XXXIII, No. 1 25, ;?e. An Atlanta University Center Institution Clergymen Oppose Fare Increase BY ANGELA C. ESANNASON Panther News Editor A group of clergymen representing 100 churches in Atlanta raised their voices in outrage against MARTA's proposed 100 percent fare in creasesaying the increase might spark violent outbreaks similar to the ones in Miami. "Help us save Atlanta so it would not become another Miami,” said Rev. Ralph D. The MARTA Board of Direc tors has raised the regular transit fare from 25 cents to 50 cents, effective July 26, 1980. At the same time, in an effort to provide relief to low-income patrons, the Board introduced a $4 weekly TransCard while raising the price of the monthly TransCard from $10 to $17. Like the monthly pass, the new weekly TransCard is valid for unlimited number of rides dur ing the week of issue (Sunday through Saturday). The card will be on sale every Thursday and Friday at the Authority’s RideS- tore in downtown Atlanta. Abernathy, president emeritus of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Abernathy, who spoke on behalf of the clergymen, said people are tired of being denied of their "god given” constitutional rights. "MARTA was created with a mandate to provide affordable public transportation,” Abernathy said. “And it has a public and a moral responsibility According to a 197Vt MARTA ridership survey, 50.3 percent of MARTA riders make more than eight transit trips a week. Another 6.6 percent make between seven and eight trips per week, while 11.6 of the regular riders make more than ten trips. According to the same study, TransCard users averaged 48.5 trips per month, while single fare paying passengers averaged 33 trips per month. This is equivalent to 11.2tripsperweek for TransCard users and 7.6 trips see MARTA, page to insure that the mandate is carried out.” The MARTA board approved raising the fare from the once 25 cents to the current 50 cents. It was proposed to take effect July 1, but the city of the Atlanta filed suit in federal court to block the increase. Fulton County later joined the suit. “Public transportation for the poor is not a luxury,” said Abernathy. "It is a bare necessity for those who can afford neither automobiles nor the gasoline to run them.” Abernathy said then that there should not be any fare increase at all. He added that as citizens receive larger incomes only then Freshman Over 500 freshmen are expected to arrive at Clark College during Freshmen Orien tation Week. Under the theme, “Beginning New Horizons,” ac tivities are scheduled for August 24 - September 3, 1980. Coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs, the Freshmen Orientation Program focuses should the fare be increased. "The elderly poor who are on fixed incomes are in double jeopardy," he said. "Rising in flation has already put a severe burden on them, and they have no hope of increased income to compensate for MARTA’s fare increase." MARTA officials had said the fare increase was needed to avoid a deficit in the fiscal year 1981 operating budget of about $104 million and to maintain present services levels. MARTA ended fiscal year 1980 on June 30 with nearly a $4 million deficit. According to a budget sum mary presented, the effects of in flation mostly on wages and the direct attention on the traditions and rituals of Clark College. New students are helped to adjust to college life before registration through a series of informal lec tures, get-acquainted activities, and tests. Mary Agnes Ware, associate Dean of Student Affairs, said the orientation committee and members of the Freshmen Guide Corps are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new Clarkites. “It is with a sense of pride and excitement and devotion that the faculty, administration, staff, and students of Clark prepare for the arrival of many knowledge seeking freshmen,” said Mrs. Ware. “We hope that attending Clark College will be an unique experience for our new students, since most of them will be leav ing home for the first time.” “The Clark College Family, and particularly the freshmen Guides, will help new students make the necessary adjustments to college life. Smooth tran sitions, however, depends mos tly upon personal attitudes and vigorous determination.” Mrs. Ware added that the freshmen year is probably the most crucial in a student's college career. "For this reason, we strongly urge all Freshmen to take advantage of the new services offered at Clark.” A program with a variety of ac cost of diesel fuel and repair parts and supplies for buses and rail cars led to the proposed fare increase. Although MARTA Board Chairman Dan Pattillo said MARTA would either have to go with a 50 cent fare or reduce service by 10 percent, lay off 250 employees and eliminate a dozen or more bus routes, black leaders and community activists suggested that MARTA charge for parking and for advertising on buses, pay cuts and reduced benefits for top-level MARTA executives, financial getting help from the state government and see Abernathy, page 2 tivities has been planned for Freshmen Orientation Week. Activities will include ad visement, testing, and regis tration for new students. For a full list of activities, see schedu le. Sunday, August 24,1980 8 a.m. - Residence Halls Open 11 a.m. - Worship Services - Davage Auditorium 1:30 p.m. - Incept Assembly - Parent's Awareness Forum. Vivian Wilson - Henderson Center Monday, August 25, 1980 8:30 a.m. - Testing - Davage Auditorium 4:00 p.m. - Freshmen Class Meeting - Davage Auditorium 8:00 p.m. - Alumni Social - Vivian Wilson, Henderson Center Tuesday, August 26, 1980 8:30 a.m. - Testing - Davage Auditorium 2:00 p.m. - Freshmen Class Meeting - Davage Auditorium 5:00 - Get Acquainted Dinner 7:00 - Awareness Forum (Rap Session) - Davage Auditorium Wednesday, August 27, 1980 8:30 a.m. - Academic Program - Dean Betty McNair; Pre- Alumni Assembly - Mrs. Juanita Eber; Work Study - Mrs. Shedricka Miller; Business Af fairs - Mr. Nathaniel Williams; Security Seminar - A.U.C. Public see freshman page 7 National Forensics winners Yolanda White and Monty Ross are Clarkites that prove that Clark College is full of talent. (Photo by Ly Bensons) see page 10 MARTA Raises Fare To Fifty Cents Expected This Week