Fare increases take effect Jan. 1, 2009, for Lake Transit ridership. South county residents who take Route 3 to Deer Park will see fares increasing by 50 cents.
“This is something we don”t do lightly or very often,” said Transit Manager Mark Wall, adding that local fares increased three years ago to $1.
At its Wednesday, Oct. 8, meeting the Lake Transit Authority approved fare increases for Dial-A-Ride, regional and out-of-county services.
Local service fares remain the same, at $1 per person. Up to two children, ages 6 or younger, can continue riding free per adult passenger. Senior and disability discounts continue to remain in effect.
Among the changes taking effect Jan. 1:
? Public fares for Dial-A-Ride will increase by $1 for same-day reservations: from $5 to $6. The public fare for advance registration would increase by 50 cents: $3 to $3.50. Senior and disability discounted rates will remain unchanged.
? Regional-service bus fares will increase by 25 cents. The general public”s fare will increase from $2 to $2.25. The discounted rates for seniors and people with disabilities will also increase by 25 cents, from $1.25 to $1.50.
? Out-of-county fares for all passengers will increase by 50 cents, from $3 to $3.50.
Monthly fast passes and system weekly passes will also increase in price; Wall reported , however, that “They are still a very good deal.”
The monthly fast pass will see a $5 increase, from $30 to $35. This pass is good for unlimited rides for one month on regular bus routes within Lake County. This pass is not valid for Dial-A-Ride, flex-stops or out-of-county service.
Cost of a system weekly pass will increase by $3, from $12 to $15. This pass is good for unlimited rides for seven calendar days on all regular Lake Transit routes in Lake, Mendocino and Napa counties.
The punch pass costs $10 and is good for $11 in fares on any regular Lake Transit service.
The Summer Cruisin” Pass is for students ages 18 or younger. It costs $20 and is valid for unlimited rides during the entire summer on regular bus routes within Lake County.
For information, rides and reservations, call 263-3334 or 994-3334. You can also visit online at www.laketransit.org.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com or call her at 263-5636, ext. 28.
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