MTS Transit fares
rise; some local routes cut
By Nick
Pellegrino
The Alpine Sun
Rate increases voted for by the board of directors of the
Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) went into effect at the start
of the New Year on bus routes throughout the county. The board
considered several measures before approving the new rate
structure back on Aug. 16.
The revenue should offset an anticipated $9.2 million
shortfall for the 2008 fiscal year and future operating budgets.
Most bus lines will rise by 25 cents to $2, then will hike
another quarter-dollar on New Year’s Day 2009.
“On Jan. 1, MTP is implementing a rate increase — the
first in four years,” said MTP spokesman Rob Schupp, the
director of marketing and communications.
“Due to dropping revenue in sales tax, which makes up
half of our budget, we were hit hard by a downturn in the
economy,” Schupp added.
While fare increases were expected, especially due to
rising oil prices worldwide, the second half of the announcement
distressed many riders — the elimination of transfers for rides,
which require more than one route.
Along with the elimination of transfers, including the
discontinuing all MTS bus-to-bus, bus-to-trolley, and
trolley-to-bus transfers, MTS officials also noted the removal
of many discounts and special fares.
Instead, MTS will now offer the sale of a $5.00
Regional Day Pass in lieu of transfers, and an $11.00 Premium
Day Pass to include unlimited single-day trolley use.
“We’re replacing transfers with $5 day passes,” said
Schupp. “For our riders that make round trips with one transfer,
it’s the way to go.”
Not so to a large minority of bus patrons, who believe
the 25-cent increase masquerades hidden increase to dollars per
trip. The changes could alienate a large group of bus patrons
and cut into already declining ridership totals at a time when
local and state government wants those figures to increase.
While Schupp admits that MTS statistics show that only
a small portion of mass transit users — about 12 percent — make
one-way trips, those riding locally could get gouged.
“I used to ride the El Cajon Loop for years,” said Jose
Rangle, an El Cajon resident who route the Shuttle lines for
years.
“I could get to the store, shop, then get back on the
same bus to easily get home in under two hours. And it only cost
me a dollar,” he added.
“Now I will need to find rides from my children or
friends just because it will cost too much to ride the bus.”
According to Rangle, a similar trip would now cost him
at least $4 — four times more than what he paid last spring.
Last March, consolidation efforts eliminated many
well-traveled routes in the valley. Included was the popular El
Cajon Loop (Routes 871 and 872) along Magnolia Avenue and
Ballantyne Street — one of just two major north-south arteries
through the city offered by MTS. The line featured continuing
service to Westfield Parkway Plaza and the El Cajon Transit
Center — which cost $1.
The new MTS rate sheet still lists these inexpensive
shuttle and local routes, but none are available any longer in
East County. Thus, the least-expensive rate will now be $2.00 on
select bus lines.
However, in 2009, all of these local routes will be
reclassified as urban routes at the most expensive $2.25 price
tag — another hidden increase further hindering low-income
passengers of MTS buses.
“Our transfer policy was difficult to administer,”
added Schupp. “People would try to take advantage by using
transfers after they expired or use them for a return trip.”
“So, when our new master plan was implemented last
March, it took resources into the core of our system and away
from underutilized services. It saved us millions of dollars
because nowadays, we have few alternatives.”
In addition, month-long passes for frequent commuters
are on the rise. An adult pass increased by 6 percent from $60
to $64 roughly a dollar per week. Monthly passes for youth are
half the standard rate ($32), while those for senior and the
disabled are one-quarter ($16).
According to MTS, about 47 percent of its budget
depends on sales tax revenues.
However, poor economic factors, including declines in
construction, housing, home and auto sales, all have contributed
to lower-than-anticipated sales tax revenue.
The revenue projections, provided by the San Diego
Association of Governments (SANDAG), report a $4.0 million
shortfall on top of the $2.2 million midyear adjustment to the
MTS contingency reserve.
The MTS board added $1 million to the 2008 operating
budget, based on increases included in the Governor’s May Revise
to the proposed state budget. No reason was listed for the
increase in the state budget according to the State of
California web site.
Additional revenue was approved by utilizing federal
compressed natural gas fuel credits of $5.3 million.
The board is also reviewing non-advertising resources
to gain additional funds.
Included is a review of “Right of Entry” rules for
third-party use of MTS facilities, which could require a fee
from bus operators who transport Indian casino patrons.
MTS reports that staff members have opened discussions
with local Native American bands, which operate casinos about
assessing a user fee.
MTS anticipates it can generate $250,000 from those
parking at the El Cajon Transit Center — the most heavily used
parking facility to transfer for short-haul rides to the various
casinos.
Other revenue resources include its pay phone contrast
— which is currently our for bid — and increases for vending
machine products.
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