RTD to Start Fare Refunds for Late Buses : Transit: The program has strong support from officials, but some drivers foresee difficulties. Four-month effort may cost district $2 million.

Take a late bus. Get a free ride.

That’s the new message on the side of Southern California Rapid Transit District buses as the RTD today launches its promised effort to woo bus riders and discourage tardy bus drivers with a special “on-time guarantee” program.

The novel program ensures that RTD riders will be repaid their $1.10 basic fare if a bus shows up at a scheduled stop 15 minutes late. The four-month program, which could cost the sprawling transportation district $2 million, has the strong backing of local transit officials, but it has caused some consternation among bus drivers.

“I have some concerns about this program,” said Earl Clark, general chairman of the United Transportation Commission, which represents 5,000 RTD drivers. “It puts another responsibility on the operators, and I think there’s going to be some cases where the operator’s safety can be put in jeopardy by angry bus riders.”

In announcing the final details of the “on-time guarantee” program, transit officials said Friday they could not imagine that driver or passenger safety would be compromised, and they expressed confidence that costs would be offset by increased ridership.

RTD President Nick Patsaouras said the program marked the beginning of an era of “excitement, anticipation, self-esteem and pride” for the district and its 1.3 million riders.

“We are going to tell our customers, if we pick you up later than 15 minutes of the posted schedule . . . you ride free. Period. We are going to stand by our service,” Patsaouras said.

“Many will say there are risks,” he added. “Of course, there are risks, but risk is an integral part of the American way of doing business.”

With a pair of 40-foot buses as a backdrop, Patsaouras was joined Friday by other RTD officials who pitched the new program and showed off one of the 3,000 digital clocks that a private company donated to drivers to help settle disputes over arrival times.

One driver at the news conference, Lonnie Anders, said he shared Patsaouras’ optimism about the fare-guarantee project although he acknowledged some drivers were resistant to it.

“There’s been some skepticism but I think that’s natural when you try something new,” said Anders, a 31-year RTD veteran. “My theory is give it a chance and . . . whatever we need to do to rectify any problems we encounter, we can do it at that time.”

Under the fare-guarantee program, which was announced last July, cash patrons whose bus arrives 15 minutes or more late for a scheduled stop will be allowed to ride free. Patrons requiring a transfer, however, will still have to pay the 25-cent cost of a transfer.

Those with monthly passes can obtain a validation card that will be punched by an operator when they board a late bus. Bus riders who are late en route to their destinations will not be entitled to reimbursement or a free ride, RTD officials said.

According to the RTD, less than 2.5% of its buses currently exceed the 15-minute cutoff, and, based on that percentage, the district has set aside $2 million to be used for refunded fares. Patsaouras said if costs become excessive, RTD General Manager Alan Pegg has the authority to terminate the program.

Meanwhile, Patsaouras noted that today marks not only the beginning of the special RTD “late bus, no-fare” program, but an extension of the Los Angeles-Long Beach light rail line.

The RTD president, along with executives of the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission and other officeholders, are scheduled to appear at a special ceremony opening Blue Line service to four stations along a two-mile loop in downtown Long Beach.

The added service will extend the Blue Line to nearly its entire 22-mile length from downtown Los Angeles to the Long Beach Civic Center area. Last week, transit officials also extended the evening hours of service for the Blue Line.

Since service began July 14, more than 1.17 million riders have used the Blue Line, including nearly 500,000 paying riders since fare service began on Aug. 1.

AREA BLUE LINE STATIONS Previously Operational A. Anaheim Station Long Beach Blvd. at Anaheim, SW corner. Opening Today B. 5th Street Station Long Beach Blvd. at the Plaza, adjacent to the mall. C. 1st. Street Station 1st. St. at Long Beach Blvd. NW corner. D. Transit Mall Station 1st. at Pine, NW corner. E. Pacific Station Pacific Ave. at 5th. St., NE corner.