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A Fare Value for Central Texas

Frequently Asked Questions about Capital Metro’s New Fares Effective October 13, 2008

Why is Capital Metro adjusting its fares now?
Capital Metro customers have enjoyed some of the lowest fares in the country for several years. In fact, Capital Metro’s cash fares are the same as they were prior to 1985 when Capital Metro was organized. Transit passes generally cost less than in 1985. Given the substantial expansion of services and the increased cost of fuel, among other costs that naturally increase such as labor and healthcare, Capital Metro must now raise its fares modestly so that we can continue to meet growing demands for service. The current model is not sustainable. While no one likes a fare increase, reasonable fare increases are necessary in order for us to maintain existing service levels for you and expand service in the future.

What are the new fares?
Capital Metro’s standard bus fare will be 75 cents, and a day pass will cost $1.50. Express fare will be $1.50, and $3.00 for a day pass. Most other fares will also see a modest increase. A list of all the fares can be downloaded from our Web site at www.capmetro.org.

When will the new fares take effect?
The new fares will take effect beginning Oct. 13.

When is the last day I can purchase tickets or passes at the current price?
The last day customers can purchase current tickets or passes at all retail outlets, including the Transit Store and on-line is Friday, Oct. 10, 2008. Retail Outlets will resume the sales of tickets and passes on Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 based on the new prices.

Will Capital Metro honor previously purchased passes?
Yes, Capital Metro will continue to accept previously purchased passes. However, leading up to Oct. 13, we will be limiting the number of passes customers can buy in order to change out the inventory from the old passes to the new ones.

Will there be more adjustments in the future?
Fares will increase again in late 2010. Local bus fare will increase to $1.00, and all other fares will be adjusted proportionately.

Can I expect better services for paying more?
Capital Metro has always been committed to exemplary customer service, and that won’t change. In 2009 Capital Metro will add almost 9 percent more service than in 2008. Additionally, you can certainly expect even more transportation choices, as we make additional progress on the All Systems Go! Long-Range Transit Plan that you helped design. All Systems Go! is Capital Metro’s long-term vision for new and expanded services, such as additional bus service, Bus Rapid Transit and passenger rail, to address the transportation challenges in the rapidly-growing Central Texas region.

What about people who can’t afford the fare increase, won’t this be a hardship for them?
Every effort has been made to keep Capital Metro accessible to everyone, while creating a fare structure that is fair and responsible. The fare structure includes considerations to those experiencing financial hardship, such as retention of the Stored Value Card, which allows multiple rides for less than the full cost of all the rides if purchased individually, and the creation of a low-cost 7-day pass for $7 (should the monthly pass be too much cost to bear at one time). Many reduced fares are available for those who qualify, and through our existing Discounted Pass Program, Capital Metro sells passes to charitable organizations and social service agencies for half price so that they can provide these to their clients for free or at reduced rates. The Discounted Pass Program is a critical component of how we serve the community, and it ensures that our services remain accessible and affordable. Children five and younger, seniors 65 and older, customers with disabilities, and any law enforcement, fire and military personnel in uniform can ride the bus, or MetroRail in the future, for free with a valid ID.

Will seniors or those with disabilities have to pay more?
Seniors 65 and older and those with disabilities will continue to ride for free. Currently, persons with disabilities are issued a Capital Metro ID card that allows them to board effortlessly by just touching their ID card to the farebox. Coming in 2009, all Seniors 65 years and older will also be required to present a Capital Metro ID to ride for free. More information will be available after the new year, but senior citizens who wish to avoid the rush can get a Senior ID from the downtown Transit Store. The ID costs $5 and is valid for 2 years. It provides for unlimited rides and will include Capital MetroRail when service begins. Medicare card holders will also continue to ride for free (with ID).

What about MetroAccess (formerly Special Transit Services) customers?
A ten-ride MetroAccess ticket book will increase to $7.00, and a MetroAccess monthly pass will cost $22.50. MetroAccess customers buying a monthly pass for October 2008 will only pay $15.00.

Are RideShare services seeing the same increases?
Yes, RideShare will increase to $45.00 per month.

Why are you only discounting the student fare for those 18 and under?
While we know many students, regardless of age, depend on Capital Metro to get to class, some problems have arisen regarding the student discount that Capital Metro has wanted to address for some time. Limiting the discount to students through high school who depend upon our services everyday allows Capital Metro to bring some consistency in policy across all of our services and assist our bus operators who are responsible for implementing that policy. We believe it will result in faster boardings, too, which will keep the buses rolling on time. Capital Metro seeks to create more formal partnerships with area educational institutions that will better meet the needs of students. Capital Metro already has a very successful partnership with the University of Texas whereby our contract with them allows UT students, faculty and staff to ride for free. Children age five and younger will also still ride for free. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

Who is eligible for the 31-Day Reduced Fare Pass?
We offer reduced fares for students age 18 and younger (with student ID) and active duty and reserve military (with ID). These groups are eligible for the 31-Day Reduced Fare Pass, which costs $9.00 for local bus service and $18.00 for Express. Many groups can ride Capital Metro buses for free, including Senior 65 and older and Disability Fare Card holders (with ID); UT students, faculty and staff (with UT ID); any law enforcement, fire and military personnel in uniform; MetroAccess certified users; and, children age five and younger (children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult).

Doesn’t Capital Metro already get funding from sales taxes and federal grants?
Capital Metro’s funding comes from sales tax revenue, passenger fares, federal grants, and income from investments and rail freight operations. All of our sources of funding are important for the smooth operation of Capital Metro services.

Are fares going up because of increased costs for the startup of Capital MetroRail?
No. Income derived from increased bus fares will be used for the operation and development of our bus service. Capital MetroRail has its own (separate) budget. In this upcoming fiscal year, MetroRail operations will be less than four percent of our overall operating costs.

How much will Capital MetroRail fares cost?
When Capital MetroRail begins service, there will be two pricing zones. The zone boundary will be between the Howard and Kramer stations. Within one zone, trips will cost $1.00. Trips that cross zones will cost $1.50. In other words, longer trips will cost more. Day and monthly passes will cost the same as the Express passes.

This is the first I’m hearing of any increase. What did you do to inform the community?
The process for raising our fares was lengthy and involved the community at every step. Capital Metro’s original proposal was based upon significant community outreach conducted in 2007. Dozens of community meetings and two public hearings were held between May and August 2008, and community input helped shape the final fare structure. Now Capital Metro will continue its outreach and education to prepare the community for the change.


line seperatorCapital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
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