Here is a newly updated news release from Metro concerning a potential fare increase. A few weeks ago, we gave you the information and some opinion on the public meetings but it looks like there will now be a public webinar as well. Please take a look and get involved.
Valley Metro Requests Public Input on Potential Fare Changes – Webinar on Jan. 8 Open to Public
PHOENIX (Dec. 29, 2008) –Valley Metro, the regional public transit agency, is hosting a public webinar and public hearings to receive the public’s input on proposed changes to the fare structure that guides the price of bus service (local, regional, express and RAPID), Phoenix and East Valley Paratransit Dial-a-Ride and METRO light rail services. Public hearings encourage riders and interested individuals to give input on the proposed fare changes. A final recommendation will be presented to city councils as required and the Valley Metro Board of Directors in early 2009.
Comments are being accepted through January 23, 2009 in the following ways: public hearings, webinar, email, customer service phone line, and written responses mailed to Valley Metro RPTA. Details are given below.
Public Webinar
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
FREE to the public and available to first 1,000 registrants
Register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/232190832
Regional Transit Fare Policy Public Hearings
Times for all Meetings:
Open House begins at 5:30 p.m. (with the exception of the meeting on January 15)
Public Hearing presentations and public input starts at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009
AvondaleCity Council Chambers
11465 W. Civic Center Dr.
Avondale, AZ 84323
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009
TempeTransportationCenter
Community Room
200 E. 5th Street
Tempe, AZ85281
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009
Grace United MethodistChurch
Fellowship Hall
2024 E. University Dr.
Mesa, AZ85213
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009
SunnyslopeCommunity Center
802 E. Vogel Ave.
Phoenix, AZ85020
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009
SouthMountainCommunity College
Student Union
7050 S. 24th street
Phoenix, AZ85042
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009*
Maricopa Association of Governments
Suite 200, Saguaro Room
302 N. 1st Ave.
Phoenix, AZ85003
*Open house begins at 12:30 p.m. and the public hearing begins at 1 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22 , 2009
GlendaleCity Council Chambers
5850 W. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, AZ85301
The last fare change occurred in December 2007, which included the elimination of transfer. Current proposed fare changes are due to a decline in sales tax revenues that fund a majority of transit service in the Valley. The proposed fare changes include a fare increase of up to $1.00 on a one-ride local fare that is currently $1.25 and price increases on the all-day, 3-day, 7-day and 31-day passes. The new fares could be in effect in July 2009.
Other methods to give input on the proposed fare changes:
·Email comments to fares@ValleyMetro.org
·Customer Service will accept comments at 602-253-5000
·Written comments can be sent to:
Valley Metro RPTA
Attn: Fare Program Manager
302 N. 1st Ave. Ste. 700
Phoenix, AZ85003
To arrange disability accommodations, contact Rosalia Lopez at Valley Metro by calling 602-534-6331 or send an email to rlopez@valleymetro.org.
Valley Metro/RPTA is an organization of 14 local governments that provides or funds transit services to citizens in the greater Phoenix metropolitan and surrounding areas. For more information about Valley Metro public transit services, call Transit Information at (602) 253-5000; for callers with TTY (602) 261-8208; or visit the Valley Metro website at www.ValleyMetro.org.
I support the fare increases. Unfortunately, our transit system is too dependent on local sales taxes and each city is allowed to do whatever they want. This is why we have balkanized services and service levels that vary by city. (Look at Tempe vs. Peoria)
Even with that, the contribution made by the passengers (farebox recovery) is very low here in Phoenix. Mainly, because we have some of the lowest bus fares in the nation. We need to get the passenger contribution increased to support this higher farebox recovery.
I do think though that the impact on the transit dependent should be minimized wherever possible. There should be some significant changes in the express fares and how express fares are charged.
Specifically, I feel that we should have fare zones for express based on the freeway distance traveled.
I think that there should be three zones with three different fare levels:
ZONE 1: 510, 520, 521, 532, 582
ZONE 2: 511, 512, 531, 536, 540, 541, 560, 572, 576, 581, 590, I-17 (Metrocenter), SR-51, I-10W
ZONE 3: 533, 535, 542, 562, 571, 573, 575, I-17 (Deer Valley), I-10E
Downgrade to local fares: 570
We have come a long way with our services and unfortunately, our fare structure was reflective of services that existed in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Just some random thoughts.
=m
(opinion are solely mine and not those of my employer)