Proposed Fare Increase on Capital Metro

Capital Metro held a public hearing on Monday, September 17, 2007 in regard to a proposed fare increase. Capital Metro staff compiled surveys over a one month period of time on buses, at stops and through public meetings that largely supported the proposed fare increase which would effectively double most fares, and in some cases increase them even more. At this meeting however, it was a different story. This small crowd agreed that the proposed fare increase needs to be reconsidered or forgotten.

While it is very possible that Cap. Metro is overdue for a fare increase; it is hard to justify doubling the fares and risk losing riders from such a sharp increase. The proposed increase is supposed to amount to a mere $5 million extra a year. But, due to the loss of riders that won’t be able to afford the new fares, they will need to find new riders with deeper pockets and they are going to attract them with fancy signs, which will cost almost $2 million.

Capital Metro is also complaining that its operating costs will exceed its revenue soon, and that the proposed increase will be necessary to keep it operating. The fares only cover about 10% of the operating costs; the proposed increase will bring it to 20%. Problem is, last time I went to my boss and asked for a raise, I didn’t get double. My guess is, not many of the riders could expect a 100% increase in their income either, and so why should Capital Metro? Are new signs really a part of an annual operating budget?

On Thursday, the board pulled back the proposed fare increase, citing the need to consider low income riders.

This is a very interesting issue to keep up with because we all pay for Capital Metro through our taxes and it provides a tremendous service to all aspects of our community: low income, students, downtown commuters and the disabled to mention a few.

See both articles through the links below.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/09/18/0918capmetro.html

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/09/21/0921capmetro.html