Public Hearing July 16 On Bus Pass Prices, Transfer Usage
News Articles
07/11/2003
Proposed increases in bus pass prices and changes bus transfer usage are the subject of a public hearing scheduled by AC Transit for 2:00pm Wednesday, July 16, in downtown Oakland.
Development of the new proposals was prompted by suggestions, voiced during the June 11 public hearing on bus fares and service adjustments, that additional fare increases might help to offset some of the service reductions that otherwise appear necessary.
AC Transit is trimming service and seeking more fare revenue to cope with a projected $50 million financial shortfall in the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Under these proposals, a ten-ride local bus pass would cost $15 (instead of $13) for adults and $7.50 (up from $6.50) for all others, including youth, ages 5-17, seniors 65 and older, and passengers with certified disabilities.
The 31-Day local pass price would go up from $50 to $60 for adults, and from $15 to $30 for youth The $15 monthly pass price for senior and those with disabilities would cost $30.
TransBay commuters would pay $30 for a ten-ride pass, up from the current $26 for adult and $13 for all other riders. The 31-Day TransBay pass would go up from $85 to $100.
Today’s $150 price for an annual youth pass would go up to $250.
As AC Transit’s board has determined that the Free Pass program for qualified secondary school students will be discontinued unless firm, binding funding commitments can be obtained from outside sources prior to July 16, public comment is also invited on a proposed new monthly pass, costing up to $10.00, for middle and high school students eligible for the free school lunch program, as determined with the assistance of participating schools.
Bus-to-bus transfers now cost 25-cents and each is good for unlimited rides within two hours after time of issue. As proposed, the transfer still costs local riders 25-cents — but use would be limited to one additional bus ride within a time period (yet to be determined) that could be up to 90 minutes after time of issue on weekdays and up to two hours evenings and weekends.
Comment on these proposals is invited, either in writing or at the public hearing scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, in the District’s Board Room, at 1600 Franklin Street in downtown Oakland. Address written comment to AC Transit’s District Secretary, at 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA 94612, or by facsimile to 510-891-7157 or by email to planning@actransit.org.