Countywide : Transit Officials May Raise Bus Fares

Orange County bus riders face fare increases totaling 35% by the year 2000 if transit officials approve a staff recommendation next month to cover the cost of providing somewhat expanded service.

The staff plan would boost the basic fare from $1 to $1.35 by 2000. Although no fare increase is envisioned this year, there would be fare hikes every two years thereafter. They would be the first in three years.

The rate increase is needed to offset purchases of new equipment and a slight increase in service, and achieve the minimum income level from the fare box as set by state law, according to the staff of the Orange County Transportation Authority.

OCTA has 48 million boardings per year.

The last increase boosted fares from $.90 to $1.00 in July, 1991.

Dana W. Reed, who is the public’s representative at large on the board, railed against the proposal at Monday’s board session. He called it outrageous to raise fares just as officials are trying to get people out of their cars and into public transit.

“There’s something really wrong here,” Reed said. “People who use public transportation should be encouraged, not penalized.”

Reed said while public transit is already heavily subsidized by taxpayers, fare increases would be unfair. He argued that the solo driver is heavily subsidized through freeway construction, and because of improved car gasoline mileage, is seeing his road tax go down.

Reed urged an OCTA committee to look into the fairness issue before making a final recommendation to the full OCTA board on the proposed, seven-year fare structure.

“I understand Reed’s concern,” said OCTA Chief Executive Officer Stan Oftelie. “He’s very focused on getting bus fares lower. He’s also in favor of eliminating transfer fees, and we’re certainly going to look at that.”

The bus fare debate erupted Monday because OCTA must prepare a document required by state and federal authorities that outlines transit service needs and how OCTA plans to meet those needs.

The OCTA staff identified options. One scenario envisions no increase in service, the second proposed a slight increase in service, and the third would meet most needs identified throughout the county, but would generate an annual funding deficit of more than $25 million by the year 2000. All three options include a 35% fee increase by the year 2000.

The OCTA board has tentatively asked its staff to work on the second, or middle-ground proposal. Part of the reason for the fare box dilemma: Traffic congestion is so bad that average bus speeds are declining at a rate of 1% to 2% per year, according to an OCTA staff report. To keep bus service at existing levels, more buses will be needed to maintain schedules on some routes, and this would raise operating costs.

Also, OCTA plans to offer more express bus service and connections to rail stations during the next few years.