May 26, 2005
September fare increase proposed
Fares would help pay for record high diesel prices
The TriMet Board of Directors is considering a proposal to raise most cash fares a dime and most monthly passes by $4. TriMet regularly increases fares to help keep pace with inflation.
Half of the proposed 10-cent increase will help keep pace with inflation; the other five cents goes to cover record high diesel prices. High diesel prices have created a $3 million budget deficit. TriMet buys about 6.5 million gallons of diesel annually.
To reduce the impact of high diesel prices, TriMet has also focused on operating buses more efficiently. TriMet has made transmission and axle adjustments, reduced engine idling and checking tire pressure more frequently, saving $600,000 annually and making TriMet the most fuel-efficient transit district in the country.
September fare proposal:
Cash Fares |
Current |
Proposed |
2-Zone ticket |
$1.40 |
$1.50 |
All-Zone ticket |
$1.70 |
$1.80 |
Youth/Student |
$1.10 |
$1.20 |
Honored Citizen |
$0.65 |
$0.70 |
LIFT |
$1.35 |
$1.45 |
Monthly Passes |
Current |
Proposed |
2-Zone |
$51.00 |
$55.00 |
All-Zone |
$62.00 |
$66.00 |
Youth/Student |
$17.00 |
$19.00 |
Honored Citizen |
$17.00 |
$19.00 |
LIFT |
$34.00 |
$38.00 |
- Books of 10 tickets: 2-Zone, All-Zone and Youth/Student are proposed to increase $1.50; Honored Citizen and LIFT are proposed to increase $1.00.
- Half-month passes: 2-Zone, All-Zone and LIFT are proposed to increase $2.00; Youth/Student and Honored Citizen are proposed to increase $1.00.
- The All-Zone Day Ticket is proposed to increase $.25 to $3.75.
The TriMet board will vote on the proposed fare increase at its June 22, 2005 meeting. If approved, the new fares will take effect on Sept. 1, 2005.