Torrance : Transit Fare Increased

The City Council approved a 15-cent basic fare increase for the Torrance Transit system to make up for expected losses in federal and state aid and to finance an increase in services. The new fare is 50 cents.

Fares for students were raised to 35 cents, a 10-cent increase, and fares for the elderly and handicapped were raised to 15 cents, a 5-cent increase. Transfers within Torrance, which were free, will now cost 5 cents. The total increase is expected to generate $400,000.

Torrance has not had a rate increase in seven years. During that time, operating costs have increased 47% while federal assistance has declined 48% and State Transit Assistance has dropped 43%, according to a city staff report.

However, since 1982 the city has received Proposition A funds from a half-cent sales tax for transit in Los Angeles County. The amount is based on a city’s population and can be used for transit facilities or operations.

Many surrounding cities with bus lines, including Gardena and Santa Monica, already have a 50-cent basic fare. The Southern California Rapid Transit District in Los Angeles has an 85-cent fare, and Long Beach charges 60 cents.