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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713
Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 14, 2016
Public Asked to Weigh in on Proposed Fare Policy Adjustments
Community meetings are planned for Sept. 20 in Laguna Hills and Sept. 21 in Anaheim, with a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 26 in Orange
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is hosting three public meetings this month to gain input on proposed adjustments to the fare policy.
The proposals are a result of a fare policy evaluation conducted as part of OCTA’s OC Bus 360° plan. The plan seeks to improve the bus system and increase ridership by 1.3 million riders over the next three years through a number of initiatives, including shifting service from low-performing routes to areas where there is higher demand.
Recommended changes to OCTA’s fare policy include reducing the day pass fare to $4 from $5, which has already been approved for a six-month promotional period beginning with the Oct. 9 service change.
The reduced day pass price is expected to increase ridership by 600,000 boardings over the six months, with loss in revenue being made up for with Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funds provided by the state’s Cap-and-Trade Program. It is the first time in OCTA’s history that a fare has been decreased.
Other recommendations include:
· Eliminating the 5 Ride Pass and 7 Day Pass
· Increasing the fare for express routes that travel within Orange County from $2 to $4 and increasing the fare for intercounty express routes from $6 to $7
· Implementing a zone-based fare structure for ACCESS paratransit service. A north, central and south zone would be established within the county and the fare for trips that travel through three zones would increase to $7.20. All other trips would remain at $3.60 per trip.
· Enforcing reduced fare eligibility requirements for seniors and people with disabilities at point-of-sale
Members of the public will have several chances to provide input on the proposed fare policy recommendations. Community meetings are scheduled for:
· 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills
· 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Ave. in Anaheim
A public hearing is also scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26 during the OCTA board meeting at OCTA Headquarters, 550 S. Main St. in Orange.
For more information on the fare study and to provide comments online, visit www.ocbus.com/farestudy.
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