Happy New Year! Oh, and Metro Bus Fares are Increasing.
Desperate economic times sometimes call for desperate measures--and King County Metro is no exception. Remember to bring an extra quarter for your hungover, New Years Day ride home, because starting at the very crack of 2011, all adult fares increase by 25 cents, to $2.25 off-peak and $2.50 on. Happy trails to the family fare: the Sunday-and-holiday option which has been around since approximately the stone age (has anyone witnessed anyone actually using this?) is now eliminated.
Before y'all start groaning, the county seems sincerely, but curtly, apologetic:
This fare increase is one of several approaches Metro is using to help ease the effects of a severe budget shortfall. In addition to fares, Metro is pursuing a number of other actions to deal with the shortfall including efficiencies and staff reductions.
Metro is trying, guys. At least we're still pretty comparable to Vancouver, Chicago and Portland, although we're now officially more expensive than San Francisco (if you're a regular fare-paying adult).
Access fares and passes are also increasing. Senior, youth and other reduced fares remain at 75 cents, but their monthly bus pass price will be increasing. That the one-time 75-cent fare is still there is pretty impressive; a decade ago, the youth fare was still 75 cents (it was lowered to 50 cents for a while, but increased again recently). The new, full fare breakdown (plus the old, full fare breakdown!) is available here.
