Following a fare structure review by BC Transit, City of Powell River council has authorized an increase in public transit fares. The resolution was passed unanimously at a special council meeting on Thursday, July 26, and changes will take effect on September 4, 2012.
Currently, the cost of Powell River’s adult cash fare is $1.75, which is below the provincial average. Come September, the cost of adult, senior and student cash fares and day passes will increase by $0.25 while adult, senior and student tickets will increase by $1. Adult monthly passes will increase by $3 but the cost of student, senior and semester passes will remain unchanged. HandyDart fares will also remain the same for the present time.
Ridership was up 14 per cent in Powell River for the 2011/2012 year, according to an annual report released by BC Transit on July 25. The additional revenue numbers take into account an expected plateau or decrease in that figure due to the coming changes.
In its fare structure review, BC Transit suggested even higher increases than those taking effect in the fall. The figures were based on the transit systems of similar cities around the province and proposed a $5-increase in monthly senior and student passes, a $26-increase in semester passes, between $2.75 and $3 in increases to tickets and between $0.75 and $1 in increases to day passes.
BC Transit also contacted Powell River Regional District (PRRD) regarding implementing a fare increase for the regional system and PRRD has approved fare increases for zones two and three by $0.25 and $0.50 respectively.
In an effort to minimize the financial impact to riders and encourage monthly passes, City of Powell River staff proposed an alternative fare structure to the one suggested by BC Transit. Those were the numbers that received council’s approval on Thursday.
“Although the cash fares are increasing for students we are holding the lines for seniors and students on the monthly passes,” said Tor Birtig, the city’s manager of operational services. “This is in some opposition to the recommendation by BC Transit but we feel that this would lessen the burden on the ridership that would need that assistance. We are not far from the guidelines and ultimately the fare structure is up to the city to set.”
However, Birtig said that in doing so the financial gain for the city will be slightly reduced. The increase is expected to generate approximately $4,000 of additional revenue in 2012 and an additional $16,000 in 2013.
Councillor Myrna Leishman said she was happy with the option outlined by staff. “I think that we do want to minimize the impact,” she said. “People that use the bus usually don’t have an overabundance of funds and so I wouldn’t like to see them strapped any further.”
SIDEBAR
An overview of the current and proposed fare structures are outlined below:
Current Fare New Fare
Cash Fares
Adult $1.75 $2.00
Senior $1.50 $1.75
Student $1.50 $1.75
Tickets
Adult $15.00 $16.00
Senior $13.00 $14.00
Student $13.00 $14.00
Monthly Passes
Adult $42.00 $45.00
Senior $34.00 $34.00
Student $34.00 $34.00
Semester $99.00 $99.00
Day Passes
Adult $4.25 $4.50
Senior $3.50 $3.75
Student $3.50 $3.75
