Sound Transit is considering a low-income fare, following King County Metro’s plan to implement a new low-income fare in March 2015). Sound Transit is currently seeking public comment on four options for a potential low income fare of $1.50 and a fare increase for other riders, that the Board will consider in November.
Here’s what’s on the table:
Option 1: No fare change. If the Board chooses this option, ST will not implement a low income fare or increase fares on express buses and trains.
Option 2: Fare changes on Link light rail. Under this option, Link fares would go up by $0.25 for all riders except those who would be eligible for the low-income fare of $1.50. Fare would remain unchanged on express buses and commuter rail.
Option 3: Fare changes on Link light rail and King County ST express buses. All Link fares and ST Express fares within King County increase by $0.25, except low-income adults pay $1.50.
Option 4: Fare changes on all ST services. All Link, ST Express and Sounder fares increase by $0.25, except low-income adults pay $1.50 or youth fare, whichever is more.
Sound Transit is in a unique position in that it serves King, Snohomish and Pierce County residents and this is a huge step to make transit more affordable for current and future riders.
From an transit equity standpoint, Option 4 is the strongest proposal because it will benefit riders in all three counties. But we recognize the challenges of a multi-county approach in the near term but the agency should consider a phased approach in implementing the reduced fare in all three counties. In the near term, Option 3 is the best solution to achieve our goal to make King County transit access more affordable. A uniform low-income fare for buses and trains in King County in alignment with Metro, will prevent rider confusion and create new opportunities for residents to take transit.
Tell Sound Transit what you think via
- Online survey
- Email:fares@soundtransit.org
- Mail:Sound Transit | Attn: Brian Brooke | 401 S. Jackson St. | Seattle, WA 98104
- Call:1-866-940-4387
- Public hearing: Thursday, Oct. 23, noon, Union Station – 401 S. Jackson, Seattle, 98104
Comment closes this Thursday, October 23.
