Go directly to our accessible website. Home Contact Metro Bus Metro Rail Metro Access Metro Rideshare
Capital Metro Riding Capital Metro News and Information Jobs Business Center AllSystemsGo
Metro Bus Metro Rail Metro Access Metro Rideshare Trip Planner Schedules and Maps Detours and Busstop Closures Explore Austin Fares How to Ride Commute Options Purchase Tickets On-Line Accessible Services
Newsroom About Capital Metro Public Meetings Projects and Publications Metro Blog
Working at Capital Metro Current Openings
Doing Business with Capital Metro Vendor Registration Procurement Opportunities Procurement Staff Disadvantage Business Enterprise Transit Advertising Program
Metro Rail Metro Rapid

Capital Metro's Fares Proposal Receives Local Government Approval

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:

Adam ShaivitzMisty WhitedErica McKewen
(512) 369-6027 (512) 389-7572(512) 369-6085
(512) 844-5153 cell (512) 844-5090 cell(512) 401-7665 cell
email email email

Capital Metro's Fares Proposal Receives Local Government Approval



August 4, 2008

NEWS FACTS

  • This evening the Local Government Approval Committee approved Capital Metro's proposed fare structure that would increase the local bus fare by twenty-five cents, from $.50 to $.75 in fall 2008, and to $1.00 in fall 2010.
  • The fares were accepted as proposed with the amendment that fares for senior riders and riders with disabilities will remain free.
  • The committee's actions bring Capital Metro one step closer to adjusting its fares, which have not increased since the agency formed in 1985. Simply due to inflation, that original fifty-cent one-way fare is today worth barely a quarter.
  • Capital Metro has been involved in an extensive, thorough process to develop a new fare structure that included a several-month dialogue with the community about the impact of the proposed fares. The final proposal presented this evening reflects improvements made as a result of community input, including the addition of a seven-day local bus pass for $7.
  • Throughout the process, Capital Metro has sought federal guidance and assistance to ensure our actions comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Additionally, we have complied with the state law that governs fare increases.
  • The fare proposal is one part of a long-range financial sustainability plan to help Capital Metro mitigate the rising costs of labor and fuel.
  • At a time when more people are riding and depending upon Capital Metro, its responsibility to maintain its financial health is critically important.
  • The committee encouraged the Capital Metro Board to further explore the financial impact of increasing fares for MetroRail and Express routes and establishing a sliding scale for fares for the working poor. The next meeting of the Capital Metro Board is Aug. 27.

MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
Download a chart of all proposed fares.

QUOTES

  • "The Central Texas community is relying upon Capital Metro to be there when they need it. As part of a comprehensive financial sustainability plan to prepare us to grow on pace with the region, we need to raise fares. No one likes a price increase, but without it, we won't be able to expand our bus service to meet even the short-term needs of the community, much less address the long-term solutions that will keep Austin a wonderful place to live."

    -- Fred Gilliam, President and CEO, Capital Metro

ABOUT CAPITAL METRO
Capital Metro's mission is to provide quality public transportation choices for our community that meet the needs of our growing region. Capital Metro provides bus service on flexible, convenient schedules at more than 3,000 bus stops throughout Central Texas, providing an average of up to 140,000 one way trips per day. The fixed route bus system includes metro, flyer and express routes, downtown `Dillo circulator routes, and UT Shuttle service. Capital Metro also provides special transit services for passengers with disabilities, van and carpool coordination, and freight rail service.

Capital MetroRail is a new passenger rail system that will extend 32 miles between the City of Leander and the Convention Center in Downtown Austin. Beginning this year Capital MetroRail will serve nine stations providing convenient service every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. MetroRail is part of the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan that includes expanded local and express bus service, MetroRapid bus service, and new and improved park and ride lots. For more information, including an online trip planner and a commute cost calculator, visit www.capmetro.org or call (512) 474-1200.


line seperatorCapital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200