AC Transit is proposing to increase fares in phases over the next five years until it reaches $3 in Fiscal Year 2023-24.
The proposal would increase the adult cash fare, currently $2.35, by 15 cents, to $2.50, on July 1, 2019. Thereafter, the fare would increase by increments of 25 cents every other year until it reaches $3 (see the charts below for impacts to youth, seniors, day passes and monthly passes).
The phased increase is a response to the expected rate of inflation, according to the transit agency.
The proposal includes hiking incentives for riders using Clipper. Currently, Clipper users save 10 cents on the adult fare. The transit agency is looking at increasing the savings to as much as 50 cents.
A separate proposal under consideration would increase fares over five years based on the rate of operating cost increases.
AC Transit only recently increased fares on July 1, 2017, and the following year, from $2.10 to the current $2.35 for adult cash fares. Previous to that, fares were increased in 2011.
More information on the fare increases can be found in the transit district’s staff report. A final decision about the fare changes will at the earliest happen at the AC Transit Board of Directors meeting on Feb. 27.
For those wanting to provide input on the fare schedule proposals, a meeting will be held in Hayward City Hall, Room 2A, on Monday, Jan. 28, from 6-8 p.m.; at El Cerrito City Hall, City Council Chambers, on Tuesday, Jan. 29 from 6-8 p.m.; and Wednesday, Jan. 30, AC Transit General Office, 2nd Floor Board Room in Oakland, on Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m.
A public hearing on the proposals will be held Feb. 13, AC Transit General Offices, 2nd Floor Board Room (1600 Franklin St., Oakland) at 2 p.m. and at 5 p.m.
AC Transit staff recommends the following five-year fare schedule
