Twenty-five cents can buy you much nowadays, but in Lincoln, it could get you a trip across town.

All this month, Lincoln's StarTran bus service has been providing reduced fares to residents, reminding them public transportation is an available option that makes 'cents.'

At the end of the last fiscal year, StarTran ridership had fallen by 10-percent.

Within the first few months of the new year, that trend was continuing.

"There are too many people in this community that only consider their car as an option, and they don't realize StarTran buses are comfortable, there are seats available for you, they go a lot of places," said John Baylor, StarTran Advisory Board Member.

To fill more seats, and help riders save money, StarTran lowered fares in February, from $1.75 a ride, to 25 cents, and 10 cents for seniors.

"It's cheaper for me. I save a lot of money this way," said Lori Lindholm, Lincoln.

"I was able to put money towards other things that I needed to put money toward, like food and stuff. It's really helped me a lot," said Kelly Laacer, Lincoln.

In the first two weeks of February 2009, 55,832 people rode the bus.

That same time period in 2010, 64,728 people have used StarTran to get them from point a to point b.

That is an increase of 16%, which is good news for the city of Lincoln, especially because StarTran buses are one of the most expensive parts of the budget.

"StarTran spends about $10.4 million a year, of which $9.2 million represents losses. $3 million of that are federal and state subsidies, so about $6.2 million of city funds every year go into StarTran, which I think is a great investment, but we want to get the most of that money," said Baylor. "If we're going to make that type of commitment, it's the largest expense item on the entire city's budget, we want to get our money's worth, and the only way to get our money's worth, is to fill these lonely seats."

Mike Wiese has been a Handi-Van bus driver for many years, offering an easier way for disabled residents to get around.

He too has seen an increase in the number of people taking advantage of the discounted rates.

"We've had a lot of people really happy with the Handi-Van fare being 50 cents. Usually, they have to pay $3.50, so they save quite a bit. In one day, you can save $6. In one day you pay $1, instead of paying $7, so that's quite a savings when you start looking at that," said Wiese.

Savings that add up one quarter at a time.

"If we had 25 cent fares across the board, we could eliminate all these other monthly passes, and all these other fares, and streamline everything, simplify everything," said Baylor.

The promotion ends Sunday.

If officials were interested in looking at a way to keep fares low year-round, that initial lost revenue would have to be made up somehow.