That other bus fare hike

The MTA is still hotly debating a major fare hike for bus and rail riders. But those who use Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus should get that extra change out. A fare hike there was approved, according to the Lookout, with Mayor Richard Bloom saying: "Most folks, who live in Santa Monica anyway, can afford to absorb the increase." More:

Santa Monica City Council members voted Tuesday night to raise ridership fees for grade-school students from 25 to 50 cents, and for college students from 10 cents to 50 cents. Also, those used to free transfers will now have to plunk down two quarters to hop another bus. Other changes include a much-touted first-ever day pass program. A regular day pass for local service will cost $2.50, while students will pay $1.25. Day-passes for seniors and the disabled will go for $1.25. The most expensive pass will be $3.25 for regular express bus riders.

What do you think of the fare increase? Hit COMMENT and speak out!

Comments

[Bus rider]

This appears to go against the entire environmental trend. We gripe about rising gas prices and the buses advertise themselves as inexpensive and green alternatives. Most people in LA don't take public transportation anyway. Raising the prices so significantly would deter them more from leaving their cars once in a while and doing the environmentally-friendly thing. The need to raise prices is understandable given inflation, but it shouldn't be this drastic.

[Graham]

This is a slap in the face to the fight against global warming. They're going to penalize people for doing the right thing and taking the bus?

Here's an idea. Tax people with big SUV's, like Arnold Schwarzennegar, twice as much and give it to the bus system.

Give students and bus riders a break. They're some of the most upstanding members of our society.

I don't ride the bus, but I certainly sold my SUV.

[david p]

i don't know what college students are paying ten cents as you mentioned, but ucla students pay 25 cents with a swipe of their card.

does it seem kind of weird that us college students were paying less than grade school kids?

[calwatch]

This is the way to do it. They had multiple meetings and took comment, and the increase was reasonable. In fact, Lamont Ewell tabled an increase to allow for more public comment. On the other hand, MTA is rushing the process and doing it in a ham-fisted way that will only invite more Federal scrutiny on the agency.

[Kate]

First of all, the Big Blue Bus routes don't stop anywhere close to the city lines. Plenty of riders live in West L.A. and other areas--a look at the Rimpau Transit Center location shows how far people may ride on Santa Monica's bus lines.

But if they're going to raise fares, are they also going to continue to improve service? For example, the Super 12 bus is tied to the UCLA academic schedule--but plenty of year-round riders are local employees, not students. And the regular 12 buses get awfully crowded when the Super 12 isn't running. I'd love to see some evidence that the Big Blue Bus management is paying close attention to demographics of riders, and not just raw numbers. Maybe they are, but my personal observations and experiences suggest that more could be done here.