SamTrans fares to rise September 1 SamTrans fares to rise September 1 (July 06, 2005)

When SamTrans bus fares rise by 20 to 30 percent September 1, the increased revenue will take $1.4 million out of the agency's $23 million deficit, the SamTrans officials predict.

On June 8, the SamTrans board adopted the fare increases as part of its $127.5 million operating and capital budgets for the 2005-06 fiscal year. During the year, it will tackle the larger budget deficit, which is eating up its reserves.

"If the deficit continues at its present level, we'll burn through reserves in about three years," said SamTrans spokeswoman Jayme Kunz.

All categories of fares will increase. Adult local fares will rise from $1.25 to $1.50. A youth monthly pass will go from $22 to $29, and a monthly pass for seniors or disabled will go from $18 to $22.

In response to pleas at an earlier hearing, the board reduced the increase in two youth fares. To encourage young people to ride the bus, the board will increase the youth "Needy Family" monthly pass from $16 to $18, instead of the recommended $20. Youth 10-ride tokens will rise from $6.75 to $8, instead of $8.50.

The increase in bus fares will help offset rising costs, particularly for fuel and medical insurance.

Part of SamTrans' problem stems from its original funding from a half-cent sales tax approved nearly 30 years ago. This does not cover the expansion of operations beyond providing county-wide bus service, to include Caltrain, paratransit and shuttle service, and the extension of BART to the San Francisco Airport. SamTrans is responsible for transporting more than 100,000 people each day, Ms. Kunz said.

The SamTrans board hopes to negotiate away the single largest part of its deficit, its $10 million subsidy to BART, over the next three years, Ms. Kunz said.

For information on fares or schedules, call 1-800-660-4287, or visit samtrans.com.

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