COTA proposes higher fares

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COTA proposes higher fares

October 23, 2009 by John

Fares on the bus go up and up
COTA board to consider raising rates by as much as 26 percent in 2010
Monday, October 19, 2009 3:05 AM
By Dean Narciso
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

us riders will need more change for the coin box in January if a plan to increase fares as much as 26 percent is approved by the Central Ohio Transit Authority.

The proposed jump would take effect on Jan. 1, pending approval by the COTA board as early as its Nov. 17 meeting, said Marty Stutz, authority spokesman.

Riders would see local, one-way fares jump from $1.50 to $1.75, or 17 percent, and express fares rise from $2 to $2.50, or 25 percent. Monthly express fares would increase the most, from $62 to $78, or 26 percent.

Riders 6 to 12 years old would get the smallest increase, from 75 cents to 85 cents, or 13 percent.

The increases would raise $2.1 million a year, Stutz said.

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Posted in Bus X-ing | 5 Comments

5 Responses

on October 23, 2009 at 9:07 am | Reply walkerevans

It always sucks to pay more for things, but this is one thing that I’m not going to complain too much about. I know that local bus service isn’t optimal for everyone in the city, but it works pretty well for me living close to Downtown. Paying $55 for a monthly pass instead of $45 is still a much better deal than having a second car for our household.
on October 23, 2009 at 9:43 am | Reply John

It still seems like a good deal to me too. Compare to other agencies:
- Cleveland – $85.
- Cincinnati Zone fares that range from $55 minimum up to $170
- Indianapolis – $60
- Dayton – $55
on October 27, 2009 at 4:48 pm | Reply timac7

This decision seems a little polarizing especially considering the fact that three years ago Columbus voters approved a quarter percent sales tax increase that was said to generate $44million a year for the agency which would be in effect for 10yrs. I’m not understanding why COTA still seems to be plagued with a financial shortfall.
on October 27, 2009 at 5:51 pm | Reply John

It sounds to me like the bottom line is not necessarily hurting, but they want to maintain what is still a relatively low farebox recovery ratio of 20%
on November 7, 2009 at 1:59 pm | Reply Bruce Rawson

With daily fares in Cleveland @ $2.25, Chicago @ $2.00, Pittsburg @ $1.50, Buffalo, Dayton, Indy, @ $1.75, it’s not time to call Veolia Transportation (North America) yet.