OCTA to Weigh Plan to Lower Some Bus Fares

Proposed new bus fares for thousands of seniors and the disabled may get even lower if new recommendations by a transit committee are accepted by Orange County Transportation Authority board members.

The committee, which met Thursday, recommended the use of about $500,000 a year in gas tax money to further subsidize fares. The money would be in addition to nearly $1 million a year in Measure M funds--the half-cent sales tax passed by county residents in 1990--that is targeted to stabilize senior fares.

Under the latest recommendation, the senior/disabled fare per boarding would be 25 cents. A 50-cent day pass would be available, down from the proposed $1.25, and the monthly pass would drop in price from $18.50 to $10. The 25-cent fare still marks an increase from the 15-cent off-peak price now available to seniors--80% of whom ride the bus during off-hours to take advantage of the price break.

Under the new fare structure, other riders would still pay a $1 fare but free transfers would be eliminated. Instead, a $2.50 day pass would be offered, marking a 25% fare increase for those who need more than one route to reach their destination. The board votes on the new fares March 8.