Public Asked for Input at Fare Change Public Meetings
Valley Metro is hosting a series of public events beginning Oct. 22 to encourage feedback on potential transit fare changes that could take effect March 1, 2013. The proposal includes a $.25 increase for a 1-Ride fare on local bus/LINK/light rail and a $.50 increase for a 1-Ride fare on Express/RAPID. The new fare structure allows Express/RAPID riders to more equitably share in the cost of operations. Details are available at www.ValleyMetro.org/farechange.
When: Oct. 22-Nov.1
Open Houses: A presentation is not provided, however staff and materials are on hand to share information and collect comments. Persons needing disability accommodations should contact Valley Metro at 602.262.7433 or by email at receptionist@ValleyMetro.org.
October 22, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Tempe Transportation Center, Don Cassano Room
200 E. Fifth St., Tempe
October 23, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Cesar Chavez Library
3635 W. Baseline Rd., Laveen
October 23, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
City of Chandler, Council Chambers
88 E. Chicago St., Chandler
October 24, 2012, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Valley Metro, Board Room
101 N. 1st Ave., Phoenix
October 24, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Cholla Library, Multipurpose Room
10050 Metro Pkwy., Phoenix
October 24, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
City of Glendale, Council Chambers
5850 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
October 25, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
City of Mesa, Utility Conference Room
640 N. Mesa Dr., Mesa
October 25, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Arcadia High School, Conference Center
4703 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
October 27, 2012, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Granite Reef Senior Center, Room 01
1700 N. Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale
October 29, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Pecos Community Center, Multipurpose Room
17010 S. 48th St., Phoenix
October 30, 2012, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Desert Sage Library, Multipurpose Room
7602 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix
Public hearing: The public hearing is a formal meeting that includes a presentation, spoken comments and stenographer to capture all comments. Persons needing disability accommodations should contact Valley Metro at 602.262.7433 or by email at receptionist@ValleyMetro.org.
November 1, 2012, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Valley Metro Board Room
101 N. 1st Ave., Phoenix
Webinar
October 23, 2012, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Listen to a presentation and staff will respond to your questions.
Register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/610855472
Tweet Chat
October 29, 2012, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Using #vmfares, learn more about the proposed fare adjustment and ask questions of
In-person surveys
Staff will conduct surveys at various locations throughout the Valley to receive additional feedback on the fare change.
Online survey
Go to the website, ValleyMetro.org, to complete an online comment card in English or Spanish.
More: In addition to the potential transit fare change, a new 15-day pass is proposed for local bus/LINK/light rail and the 3-day pass could be discontinued.
Valley Metro is asking the public to give input by providing several opportunities to learn more about the fare change and offer feedback. Options to offer input include open houses, a public hearing, fare change webinar, social media conversation and in-person surveys. Public feedback will be accepted through Saturday, November 3. Details are also available at ValleyMetro.org or by calling 602.253.5000.
They should make the fare increase only for longer trips. Shorter trips place less of a burden on taxpayers, so they should cost less.
So, it costs more to operate the train if I ride one mile vs 10? They are running it if I am on board, or not. I know other systems charge more for longer trips, I’m just not very educated on these funding questions…
One flat-rate fare payer going ten miles costs taxpayers more in lost light rail revenue than ten fare payers each going one mile, yet both require only one seat.
We can’t charge based on how far someone rides the train because we didn’t build the light rail stops with any sort of security measures or weather protection.
Likely because of cost.
Caltrain charges by distance even though the stations don’t have any security measures or weather protection.