SANTA CLARITA : Hearings Planned on Bus Fare Hikes
The Santa Clarita City Council decided Tuesday to hold public hearings on proposed fare increases for local bus lines, commuter buses and the Dial-A-Ride system.
There are two proposals for increasing the price for onetime fares and monthly passes. For example, under both options, an adult monthly pass for the local bus route would increase from $18 to $20. For children and senior citizens, it would go from $4 to $10.
The fare increases come as county sales tax revenues for local bus lines has dipped, said Jeff Kolin, deputy city manager of public works.
Fare box revenues make up 10% of the transit system’s costs, Kolin said, and the city would like to have that figure increase to between 12% and 15%.
Fares are “a relatively minor source of income, but nevertheless, every penny counts,” Kolin said.
The city took over operation of the local bus lines from the county a year ago, Kolin said, but fares have not been changed in several years.
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