Local News in Brief : Countywide : Transit District to Start a 10-Cent Transfer Fee

Orange County Transit District riders who transfer to buses in Los Angeles County will pay a 10-cent fee beginning next month under a policy approved by OCTD’s board of directors Monday.

Currently, OCTD riders who pay their fares with cash are issued free transfers to buses of the Southern California Rapid Transit District and the Long Beach Transit. But OCTD riders with monthly passes must pay a second full fare when they transfer to buses within Los Angeles County. An estimated 600 riders make the switch, according to OCTD officials.

“It was seen as unfair and as discouraging people from buying monthly passes,” OCTD spokeswoman Claudia Keith said of the policy.

OCTD operates two express routes--from Huntington Beach and Fullerton--into downtown Los Angeles. It also operates five routes that serve a small portion of Long Beach.

District officials said the transfer fee, which takes effect Sept. 11, has been the subject of requests from passengers who have to pay a second fare when transferring. Moreover, officials said, it is consistent with efforts to develop a regionally integrated mass transit system and to promote greater use of public transportation.

The Los Angeles County Transportation Commission has authorized LBT and RTD to issue similar 10-cent transfers, and the two bus systems must also honor other transit system transfers.