The San Benito County Local Transportation Authority board of directors are reviewing options for increasing fares for county express bus service and the medical shopping assistance program. On Feb. 21, they opened the public comment period on the two potential plans.
In the first proposal, fares would increase 5 percent annually for two years. Prices for tokens and monthly passes would be adjusted accordingly, with a regular and discount fare available for all its services. The additional revenue is estimated to be $24,700 to $27,400 annually. A fee study also estimates a ridership decrease of 1.5 to 2.3 percent each year.
In the second proposal, there would be a one-time fee increase of 25 percent. Under the scenario, the study estimated additional revenue of $25,800 to $27,000 annually. Ridership is projected to drop at a higher rate of 7.5 to 8.3 percent.
In the first scenario, a regular fixed route ride would be $1.05 in the first year and $1.10 in the second year. In the second scenario, the cost for the same ride would be $1.25.
In a statement, the staff members reported that the increases are required due to decreasing funding and increasing operating costs. They have received decreased operational funding from the state since 2009. Though the agency may be eligible to receive federal funds through a transportation bill dubbed “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century,” the federal funding is for a two-year cycle and estimates are unpredictable.
LTA has also experienced increasing fuel and contractor costs.
In September, the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council gave feedback to LTA to help them decide on six scenarios for fare increases before selecting two options.
