September 22, 2014 · Exit133

Sound Transit Proposes Fare Changes

Sound Transit is considering a change to its fare system that could implement a low-income rider fare, while raising other rates.

The low-income fare program would bring Sound Transit into alignment with a King County Metro low-income fare scheduled to go into effect next March.

The Metro low-income program would give riders with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level a discounted fare of $1.50, paid for by a simultaneous $0.25 increase for other riders.

Sound Transit is considering implementing the same $1.50 low-income rate, and associated $0.25 increase on other fares, including fares for adults, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. If adopted, the changes would be targeted to go into effect in March as well.

The Sound Transit Board is looking at several options for the potential low-income fare program and associated general fare increases, and seeking public input on the proposal.

Option 1: No fare changes at this time.

Option 2: Fare changes on Link light rail only. All Link fares increase by $0.25, except low-income adults pay $1.50.

Option 3: Fare changes on Link light rail and King County ST Express bus trips. All Link fares and ST Express fares within King County increase by $0.25, except low-income adults pay $1.50.

Option 4: Fare changes on all Sound Transit services. All Link, ST Express and Sounder fares increase by $0.25, except low-income adults pay $1.50 or youth fare, whichever is more.

The board will hold a series of public meetings on the proposed changes. The Tacoma meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Freighthouse Square, Rainier Room, 2501 East D Street. A public hearing before the Sound Transit Board is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, and written comments are being accepted through that time.

The changes would not apply to the Tacoma Link light rail, and Pierce Transit is not considering a similar program at this time.

What do you think of the idea? Do you support low-income fares for Sound Transit? What about bringing the idea to Pierce Transit?

2 comments

Name September 26, 2014

Why is it fair that I subsidize other people's bu rides. Hey, were all working trying to get ahead right. Every year they want to raise taxes or fares to make up shortfalls. How about simply collecting the fare from people who already ride the bus. This is the only city I've ever lived in where you can pay your fare with an excuse as to why you cant pay your fare or give some long drawn out BS story about why you dont have money, had money but lost it, got robbed, just got out of jail/hospital/rehab...whatever [insert your own excuse here]. You wouldn't go into Starbucks with no money, don't get on a damn bus
- jpaulr September 29, 2014
  
  [quote]Why is it fair that I subsidize other people’s bu rides.[/quote] That would be the "public" part of public transportation. You already subsidize much of the cost through taxes... As for the fare evasion, this report [http://metro.kingcounty.gov/am/reports/2010/fareevasion04-10.pdf] puts King County fare evasion at 5% - not insignificant, but certainly not closing any budget cuts they're experiencing. I'd image Sound Transit is quite a bit better due to fewer boardings where people can just hop in the back (compared to King County buses).