What you need to know about proposed transit fare increases
The Metropolitan Council is seeking public input on a proposal to raise transit fares in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
This would be the first fare increase in nearly a decade (last increase was in October 2008) and a necessary step to address the increasing costs to providing transit and transportation. When fares remain flat, the Council recovers a smaller percentage of the overall cost to provide transit service.
Proposals
Transit officials are inviting feedback and testimony on two basic scenarios for regular route transit – including light rail, local bus, express bus, A Line, and Northstar – increases of 25 cents or 50 cents.
Possible fare increases would affect all regional transit services, including those operated by Metro Transit, Metro Mobility, the Metropolitan Council (including Transit Link and suburban service), and suburban transit providers (Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Plymouth MetroLink, and SouthWest Transit). Transit fares, under state law and regional policy, must be set on a regional basis and be consistent across providers.
Learn more about the full proposal.
Additional fare-related considerations
The following are also options under consideration by the Council:
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One reduced fare, all day, for seniors, youth (6-12) and Medicare card holders (proposal is $1 a ride)
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Eliminate bonus for stored value card purchases of $10 or more (currently all purchases of $10 or more get 10% bonus)
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Eliminate off-peak express category – would result in one express fare, all day
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Increase downtown zone fares from 50 cents to $1 a ride
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Eliminate 5% discount for Transit Schools Program
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Make the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) permanent, and charge a $1 per ride fare on all transit for participants
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Add a distance surcharge for non-mandated Metro Mobility trips longer than 15 miles
How much it might cost you
Regular route weekday riders (40 rides per month) would pay an extra $10 or $20 a month. Metro Mobility riders could face an average $9 to $15 a month.
Costs have gone up in the past 10 years. Some examples:
Tell us what you think by June 26