CapMetro discusses early fare increase

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Capital Metro is resuming the public process that may lead to a fare increase as early as January 2010.

The Capital Metro Board of Directors voted to move forward with a fare increase proposal at their Sept. 28 board meeting for the long-term financial sustainability of the transit agency.

Under the proposal, Capital Metro's planned August 2010 base fare increase would be accelerated to January. At the same time, some fares and passes would have additional increases.

"Raising fares early in 2010 would be a responsible decision that will benefit the long-range financial sustainability of Capital Metro," said Capital Metro President and CEO Fred Gilliam . "Even after a fare increase, Capital Metro remains a terrific bargain for the cost."

Local bus fare would become $1 per ride, and disability fare card holders and seniors 65 years old and older would pay $0.25 per ride. Likewise, fares for premium services, such as Express bus and MetroRail service, would increase.

Capital Metro staff will be out in the community Oct. 13 through Oct. 21 to talk to riders about the fares proposal and encourages customers to attend one of four open house events:

DOWNTOWN: Tuesday, Oct. 13, Noon - 1:30 p.m.

• Capital Metro Transit Store at 323 Congress Ave.
• Bus routes: All Downtown routes

EAST: Monday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• ACC Eastview Campus at 3401 Webberville Road #8111
• Bus routes: 2, 17, 300

NORTH: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Goodwill Community Facility at 1015 Norwood Park Blvd. #1124
• Bus routes: 325, 339

SOUTH: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• ACC South Campus at 1820 W Stassney Lane #1130
• Bus routes: 3, 311

A public hearing in front of the Capital Metro board is also set for Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 2910 E. 5th St. regarding bus routes: 4, 17, 100, 300, 320.