If you are planning to get into a community bus in Coral Springs anytime after October, take a quarter along with you.

City officials recently decided unanimously to introduce a $.25 bus fare for community buses. The fare will be effective Oct. 1. The city has provided the service for free since it was introduced in September 2002, but the recent increase in gas prices forced them to rethink it.

As per the terms of the interlocal agreement between Broward County and Coral Springs, the city has the option of charging a ridership fee that is not more than 50 percent of what the county charges for bus fare. With the county bus fare at $1.25, the city could have charged as much as $.62 a trip but decided on $.25.

The introduction of the bus fare is an "unfortunate necessity," Mayor Scott Brook said. "Some other cities have also done the same or increased bus fare. I hope the community will continue to use the service. I haven't received any complaints from any resident. We feel very confident that we have a great business plan."

City staff anticipate an initial dip in ridership, but the numbers are expected to go up in time. Children, who ride the buses mainly for fun, are expected to stop using them with the introduction of the bus fare, but city staff are confident people who use the service for shopping, work and school will continue to ride.