Intercity Transit, the region’s public transportation provider, is considering increasing its fares for bus, Dial-A-Lift, and vanpool services. The Intercity Transit Authority encourages customers and the general public to consider the proposed fare changes and provide comment this month. After considering comments from the public, the Transit Authority anticipates making a decision at its meeting October 17. If the Authority decides to increase fares, the change is anticipated to take effect January 1, 2013.

The agency’s consideration of an increase in fares is due to rising fuel costs and low operating revenue attributable to the ongoing economic recession. Though the transit agency continues to experience record ridership, fare revenue recovers only about 11 percent of total operating costs.

The transit agency last increased its base fare from $.75 to $1 in January 2009 after a fare review conducted in 2008. Intercity Transit reviews fares every three years, and the last review in 2011 resulted in no increase for 2012. The agency’s current bus and vanpool fares are lower than most other transit fares in the region.
 
“The public is looking more and more to us for service,” says Mike Harbour, Intercity transit General Manager. “We are sensitive to community’s need for affordable transportation options, especially given the latest spike in fuel costs. But we are also obligated to operate those services in a financially responsible way.” 

Here is what Intercity Transit would like comment on:

Bus Fare Increase Proposal

Proposed 2013 Fares
	Per Ride	Daily Pass	Monthly Pass
Local
Adult	$1.25	$2.50	$36
Youth (6-18)	$1.25	$2.50	$18
Reduced*	$0.60	$1.25	$18
Dial-A-Lift	$1.25	$2.50	$18
Olympia Express
Adult	$3	n/a	$90
Youth (6-18)	$3	n/a	$90
Reduced*	$1.50	n/a	$45
Other options: A) No increase to Local Reduced Fares B) Increase Olympia Express Fares only C) No change, keep current fares
*Reduced Fare Permit required. Eligibility based on age, disability, or possession of a Medicare card.
**Dial-A-Lift service requires special certification.

1. Increase the base fare for bus and Dial-A-Lift by 25 percent (changing the single-ride, adult fare from $1 to $1.25 for local service and from $2.50 to $3 for Express service);
2. Increase the base fare by 25 percent except the reduced fare rate for seniors and people with disabilities. Reduced fares would remain as they are today (50 cents for a single-ride);
3. Increase only the Olympia Express fares by 20 percent but do not increase other fares. (Adult fare on the Olympia Express service would increase from $2.50 to $3 and the monthly pass would increase 20 percent); or
4. Make no fare increase on any bus service. 

Vanpool Fare Increase Proposal

Intercity Transit proposes a 10 percent increase in vanpool fares. Vanpools are groups of commuters traveling long distances to employment destinations. The last vanpool fare increase of 18 percent took place January 2009.

Making Comment

Open Houses: In addition to the public hearings (see times and locations below) seven open house meetings are scheduled in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm. Visit www.intercitytransit.com for workshop locations, dates, and times.
Survey:  Take our survey about the fare proposals. Surveys are also available on buses and at Customer Service (222 State Avenue, Olympia) beginning September 12. Surveys are due September 28.
E-Mail: tellus@intercitytransit.com. Please send e-mails by 4 p.m. October 3.
Telephone Comment Line: 360-705-5852. Please provide comments on the telephone line by 4 p.m. October 3
Write: Public Comment, Intercity Transit, P.O. Box 659, Olympia, WA 98507. Intercity Transit must receive letters by 4 p.m. October 3 to be considered.
Public Hearings: The Intercity Transit Authority will hold public hearings on fares Wednesday, October 3, 5:30 p.m., at their business office, 526 Pattison Street, Olympia. Transit Routes 62A, 62B and 66 service stops near this location.

Getting More Information

Materials are available now online, at the Olympia Transit Center (222 State Avenue), Intercity Transit business office (526 Pattison Street, Olympia), and area Timberland libraries.

Fare Increase Open House Schedule