Research Triangle Park, N.C. - The Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) Board of Trustees has approved a fare increase effective March 1, 2005. The decision marks the first         across-the-board fare increase since TTA began its regional bus service in 1993.

TTA General Manager John Claflin said, “rising labor costs, higher diesel fuel prices and increases in liability insurance have prompted the decision.” As a regional bus service, “distance is the main difference between TTA, CAT and DATA. Agencies similar to TTA across the United States have an average trip length of only 4.9 miles, almost half that of TTA. When riders compare the rising costs of operating private vehicles in the last 12 years, TTA will remain an enormous value.” 

The Board’s action means:

• A base fare increase of $1.50 to $2.00, and increased fares for all fare types
• Replacing free transfers with regional one-way passes, effective in April 2005
• Proposed future fare increases to adjust for inflation, beginning in 2007

Although the base fare would be increased to $2.00 under this proposal, an unlimited-ride regional day pass would be introduced that could be purchased in advance, or on any bus operated by TTA, CAT and DATA. The technology needed to implement the day pass regionally will be available this spring. Free transfers on TTA vehicles would not be eliminated until all buses at TTA, CAT and DATA have installed new electronic fareboxes. Board action also recommends a $0.25 fare increase every two years starting in 2007, to cover escalating operational costs.

The board’s decision came after fully evaluating the proposed increase and six weeks of public involvement. TTA heard over 200 comments in curbside sessions with riders in the Triangle, feedback through e-mails and a telephone comment line.

“We’re sensitive to the comments we heard about the effect that this increase will have on our low-income customers,” Claflin added. “However, as our operating costs rise, we have to pass some of these costs on to our customers in order to continue providing the regional bus services they enjoy. Fortunately, many of our riders can also take advantage of transit subsidies offered through their employers.”

The following fare schedule will be effective March 1, 2005:

   Cash Fare $ 2.00
   Elderly & Disabled (E&D) Cash Fare $ 1.00
   Children 10 or younger FREE
  

   Day Pass $ 4.00
   One-Way Pass (3 swipes in 2.5 hrs) $ 2.00

   Bundled 6-pack Day Passes $ 20.00
   Bundled 6-pack E&D Day Passes $ 12.00

   Bundled 12-pack Day Passes $ 40.00
   Bundled 12-pack E&D Day Passes $ 24.00

   Ten-ride pass $ 17.50
   30-day unlimited ride pass $ 64.00
   E&D 30-day unlimited ride pass $ 32.00

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit and vanpool services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, RDU International Airport, RTP and Raleigh. The Triangle Transit Authority also provides commuter resources and hosts GoTriangle.org, the popular on-line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle. TTA plans to implement a 28-mile rail transit system with 12 stations connecting Durham, RTP, Cary and Raleigh, with shuttles linking RDU International Airport and RTP. The rail transit system is expected to be operational in 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919) 549-9999.