Sound Transit is considering following Metro’s lead in offering a reduced fare for low income riders. They are considering several options. Please submit public comment through October 23 and attend their Open House on October 16 and Public Hearing on October 29.
The Transit Riders Union is pleased that Sound Transit is considering a lower fare for its low income riders. This will make public transit more accessible to thousands of riders. However, we do not believe that this program should be paid for by raising fares for other riders. An across-the-board fare increase will penalize people for riding transit, creating hardship and driving many “choice riders” back to their cars.
Public transit does not only benefit those who ride; it benefits everyone. Public transit helps to create a healthy urban economy and eases traffic congestion by removing cars from our roads. It lessens our dependence on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gases, the leading cause of global warming and climate change. For the sake of future generations, we should be doing everything in our power to invest in and encourage the use of public transit, including keeping fares as low as possible for everyone.
For all of these reasons, the Transit Riders Union opposes a fare increase. With voter approval, Sound Transit has the power to assess an Employer Tax of $2 per employee per month, which would more than cover the costs of the new low income fare. Transit riders already fund Sound Transit through sales tax and fares. We believe the business community, which derives benefits from public transit, should contribute as well.