Pierce Transit to hold hearing on fare increases | Politics

The Pierce Transit Finance Committee will a hold a public hearing tonight to discuss the possibility of an across-the-board fare hike.

The transit system has been struggling financially for years due to shrinking tax revenue, and the proposed fare increases would bring in an additional $1.9 million, according to Pierce Transit CEO Lynne Griffith.

The fare increases would affect local fixed route bus, SHUTTLE, and Vanpool services and, if approved at the September 13 Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners meeting, would be implemented in November 1, 2010.  

Youth, Senior, and Disabled fares were last increased in March 2006.  Regular adult fares were last increased in January 2009.  Vanpool fares were last increased in October 2008.

If approved, local cash fares would jump a quarter from $1.75 to $2, local monthly passes would see a $9 increase from $63 to $72, and senior/disabled local fares would be increased from 75 cents to a dollar. Monthly SHUTTLE passes would also see an increase from $27 to $36.

That hearing will be held at the 4:30 p.m. at Pierce Transit’s Training Center and the public is encouraged to attend.