Capital Metro proposes fare increase
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| Adam Shaivitz | Erica McKewen |
| (512) 369-6027 | (512) 369-6085 |
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Capital Metro proposes fare increase
Public outreach process to begin August 10, 2009NEWS FACTS
- Today the Capital Metro Board of Directors began a process that may lead to a fare increase effective January 2010. The board directed the agency to begin public outreach regarding the proposed fares.
- Under the proposal, Capital Metro's planned August 2010 base fare increase would be accelerated to January. At the same time, some fares and passes would have additional increases.
- Local bus fare would become $1 per ride, and disability fare card holders and seniors (65+) would pay $0.25 per ride. Likewise, fares for premium services, such as Express bus and MetroRail service, would increase between 25 - 33 percent more than what the Local Government Approval Committee approved.
- The fare increase is one component of Capital Metro's draft FY2010 budget. Capital Metro is pursuing a combination of administrative cuts, service reductions, and a fare increase to help develop a balanced budget in challenging economic conditions.
- Capital Metro, like the City, is projecting a five percent decrease in sales tax revenue during FY2010, about $9.9 million less than the current year.
- Capital Metro is not alone in this situation. A recent survey by the American Public Transportation Association found that 90 percent of transit systems nationwide are increasing fares, cutting services or both.
- The fare proposal, in addition to Capital Metro's budget, will go through a rigorous public outreach process before being formally considered by the Capital Metro board on Sept. 28.
MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
Capital Metro Fare Increase Proposal
| Service | Current Fare | Proposal for January 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Local Bus Single Ride Adult | $0.75 | $1.00 |
| Local Bus Single Ride Reduced | $0.35 | $0.50 |
| Local Metro Day Pass | $1.50 | $2.00 |
| Express Bus Single Ride Adult | $1.50 | $2.50 |
| Express Bus Single Ride Reduced | $0.75 | $1.25 |
| Express Bus Day Pass | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| MetroRail - 1 zone | $1.00 | $2.00 |
| MetroRail - 2 zones | $1.50 | $3.00 |
| MetroRail - 3 zones | N/A | $4.00 |
| MetroRail-Day Pass Adult | $3.00 | $6.00 |
| MetroAccess Single Ride fare (for info only) | $0.70 | $1.20 |
| Disability Fare Card, Seniors | $0.00 | $0.25 |
| Multi-Ride Passes | ||
| Local Bus - 31-day Metro Pass | $18.00 | $28.00 |
| Local Bus - 31-day Reduced Metro Pass | $9.00 | $14.00 |
| Express Bus 31-day Pass | $36.00 | $63.00 |
| Express Bus 31-day Reduced Pass | $18.00 | $31.50 |
| Local Bus - 7-day Metro Pass | $7.00 | $8.00 |
| Value Card ($15 Value Stored) | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| MetroAccess-Monthly Pass | $22.50 | $35.00 |
| MetroAccess 10-Ride Booklets | $7.00 | $12.00 |
| Disabled/Senior 31-day Pass | N/A | $10.00 |
| MetroRail 31-day Pass | $36.00 | $75.00 |
| RideShare - In Service Area | $45.00 | $60.00 |
| RideShare - Out of Service Area | $45.00+ mileage | $60.00+ mileage |
QUOTES
- "In this economic climate, Capital Metro, like many public entities, is facing some difficult decisions. A fare increase is one option on the table to maintain the long-range sustainability of the transit system and avoid substantial service reductions."
-- Fred Gilliam, Capital Metro President/CEO
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. With the highest per capita ridership in Texas, Capital Metro serves more than 3,000 bus stops with metro, flyer and express routes, downtown `Dillo circulator routes and UT Shuttle service. Capital Metro also provides MetroAccess service for passengers with disabilities, van and carpool coordination, and freight rail service.
Capital MetroRail is a new passenger rail system expected to begin soon between the City of Leander and the Convention Center in Downtown Austin. 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.
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Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200