SamTrans set to raise fares on June 8 SamTrans set to raise fares on June 8 (June 08, 2005)

By Marion Softky

Almanac Staff Writer

The SamTrans Board of Directors appears ready to increase bus fares by 20 to 30 percent this week at its June 8 meeting, in order to make at least a small dent in a budget shortfall that could reach $23 million for the next fiscal year.

The fare increase would make up for a combination of declining revenues and increasing costs, particularly for fuel, Chief Operating Officer Chuck Harvey said at a special hearing June 1 on the proposed increase.

Taking effect August 1, the first general fare increase since 20002 will bring in $1.4 million in fiscal 2006 and $1.7 million in later years. Youth fares were last raised in 1998.

All categories of fares would increase. Adult local fares would rise from $1.25 to $1.50. A youth monthly pass would go from $22 to $29, and a youth "Needy Family" monthly pass would go from $16 to $20.

A monthly pass for seniors or disabled would go from $18 to $22.

At last week's hearing, advocates for the poor and disabled argued that even fare hikes of 25 cents or a dollar could force the very poor off of buses.

"People who are most dependent on the service are being hurt the worst," said Maureen Donahoe. "An extra $5 is going to be hard for them."

SamTrans has a very low rate of fare box returns -- about 18 to 19 percent, said General Manager Mike Scanlon. The proposed increase will bring it up over 20 percent.

"It's like selling a dollar hamburger for 20 cents," he said. And fares will be comparable to other regional transit agencies.

Over the next year, SamTrans will have to address major structural problems leading to its deficits, Mr. Scanlon said. "We're chewing up reserves. There is no silver bullet."

The board will act on the fare increases Wednesday, June 8 at 2 p.m. at SamTrans Headquarters, 1250 San Carlos Ave. in San Carlos. For information visit samtrans.com.

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