PORT TOWNSEND — New bus fares, intended to simplify Jefferson Transit’s rate structure, will boost the fixed-route bus fare from 50 to 75 cents and eliminate bus transfers.
The fare increase is proposed to take effect Jan. 1, and following recent public comments, the Jefferson Transit board is scheduled to consider approval of the fare change when it meets Dec. 21 for a second public hearing.
“The existing fare structure allows for a minimum of 30 different fare categories or payment types. The proposal simplifies this matrix to 11,” said Dave Turissini, Jefferson Transit general manager.
“This greatly simplifies the accounting that coach operators must perform whenever someone boards and reduces the chances for passenger/driver disputes over fares.”
Turissini said the net increase in fare revenues would be minimal under the new rate structure, with some rates decreasing.
Additional revenue
With a $3.8 million annual budget, Jefferson Transit will see just about $30,000 in additional revenue with the rate change, which Turissini sees as negligible.
Fares now generate about $120,000 a year, and Jefferson Transit’s rates remain the lowest in the region, he said.
With 20 buses on the road at a given time, Jefferson Transit has 50 employees and provides about 300,000 one-way trips a year, said Turissini.
Besides simplifying the rate structure, Turissini said the rate changes would eliminate several commonplace abuses, especially abuses with bus transfers.
