So, how would you like to be able to share your opinions on higher bus and light rail fares? Sounds like you will have ample opportunity to do so at some upcoming meetings. Can you change their mind? Does public input really make a difference? Time will tell. See the recent news from Valley Metro. Also, see the report from the East Valley Tribune.
Valley Metro Requests Input on Transit Fare Changes
Changes would take effect as early as July 2012
Phoenix (Nov. 14, 2011) Changes to bus and light rail fares will be discussed at public hearings in November and December. A price increase would impact the cost to ride the bus and light rail as early as July 2012. The current one-ride fare of $1.75 would possibly increase to $2.00 and the All-day pass purchased in advance would cost riders $4.00 instead of the current cost of $3.50. The 31-day pass would increase from $55.00 to $64.00 and the Express 31-day pass price would change from $85.00 to $96.00.
“Asking riders to consider paying a higher fare for transit service is never easy,” said Dave Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “We know that transit service is important and that riders are willing to pay a little more to keep the service they need to get to work, school and vital appointments.”
In addition, Phoenix and East Valley ADA Dial-a-Ride services, the Arizona State University U-Pass, and the Platinum Pass will also be impacted by the fare change. Valley Metro plans to introduce a new 15-day pass and eliminate the 3-day pass due to its limited use.
If approved, the rural route fare structure will be simplified to a fare of $4.00 ($2.00 Reduced fare) per one-way trip. Rural Route 685 provides service between Ajo, Gila Bend and Phoenix.
To maintain a business standard established by the Valley Metro Board of Directors, the agency has a goal to recover at least 25 percent of the cost of transit operations from fares. Changes to fares will be considered every three years to help retain the 25 percent goal. Currently, passengers are paying about 23 percent of their cost to ride bus and light rail and that amount continues to decrease as the cost of operations continues to rise. Many transit agencies across the United States are experiencing budgetary struggles. According to the American Public Transit Association (APTA), nearly eight in ten transit agencies (79%) have cut service or raised fares or are considering either of these actions.
The public meetings are designed to collect input that will then be presented to the Valley Metro Board of Directors next spring for consideration and approval. Fare change public meetings are scheduled for:
Tuesday, November 15
Town of Buckeye Council Chambers
530 E Monroe Avenue
Buckeye, AZ
Presentation during regular Council Meeting: 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 30
Cesar Chavez Library
3635 W. Baseline Road
Phoenix, AZ
Open House: Noon-12:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Wednesday, November 30
Juniper Branch Library
1825 W. Union Hills
Phoenix, AZ
Open House: 5:30-6:00 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Monday, December 5
Maryvale Community Center
4420 North 51st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
Open House: Noon-12:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Tuesday, December 6
Valley Metro RPTA, Lake Powell Room
101 N. 1st Ave., Ste. 1300
Phoenix, AZ
Open House: Noon-12:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Tuesday, December 6
Tempe Transportation Center, Don Cassano Room
200 E. Fifth Street
Tempe, AZ
Open House: 6:00-6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Wednesday, December 7
Mesa City Plaza, Room 170
20 E. Main Street
Mesa, AZ
Open House: 6:00-6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Thursday, December 8
Glendale City Council Chambers
5850 W. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, AZ
Open House: 6:00-6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Other methods to provide input on the proposed fare changes:
- Email comments to fares@valleymetro.org
- Provide input via an electronic survey at www.ValleyMetro.org beginning November 28
· Send comments by mail to:
Valley Metro RPTA
Attn: Fare Program Manager
101 N. 1st Ave., Ste. 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Phone call comments to Customer Service at 602.253.5000
Comments on the recommended fare changes will be accepted through Friday, December 9, 2011.
Valley Metro transit fares can be purchased in advance at more than 400 retail outlets throughout the Valley, city halls, public libraries, transit centers, fare vending machines at METRO light rail stations, online at ValleyMetro.org, and through an Automatic Mail Plan by calling 602.495.5795.
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