Capital Metro fares will change beginning Jan. 11, as part of the second phase of a fare change policy approved by the agency’s board of directors in Sept. 2013.
In 2015, the base fare for a single Local bus ride will change by 25 cents, to $1.25. The Premium Single Ride fare will become $1.75 and the Commuter Single Ride fare will become $3.50. New pass prices will also take effect for Local/Premium/Commuter Day Passes, 7-Day Passes and 31-Day Passes; MetroAccess Single Ride, 10-Ride and Monthly Passes; and Reduced Fares.
Even with the new rates for 2015, the cost of Capital Metro fares will remain below the state average for Texas transit agencies. Over its 30 year history, Capital Metro’s base fare has changed only two other times, in 2008 and 2010, with a brief free fare period in 1990.
Capital Metro will continue its agreements with the city of Austin, University of Texas, Austin Community College and Travis County to provide transit benefits to employees and students through its MetroWorks Program. The program, introduced in 2014, offers discounted fares for educational institutions, government agencies and businesses.
Throughout 2014, Capital Metro has invested in expanded options for buying passes, making it easier for riders to purchase fares using new technologies. In January, the agency introduced the new CapMetro mobile app, making it only the third transit agency in the nation to offer a mobile payment system. The app allows riders to conveniently plan trips, get real-time arrival information and buy fares on-the-go. In addition, passes can also be ordered online and mailed to customers.
The first phase of the board approved fare policy change went into effect Jan. 26, 2014, with the implementation of a new fare structure based on three main tiers of service: Local, Premium and Commuter. There was no change to the base fare at that time.
In May 2013, Capital Metro underwent an extensive fare study review process, which compared its fare structure to those of similar-sized agencies around the country. The agency also held a series of public meetings over several months to solicit feedback on the proposed recommendations.
Prior to the fare review, the amount Capital Metro received from the sale of passes represented only 11 percent of its revenue. With the implementation of the fare change, Capital Metro will move closer to reaching its goal of a 20 percent farebox recovery rate, which will help the agency sustain service levels, and fund improvements and expansion.
Capital Metro will continue to work in partnership with over 230 local social service agencies through its Discount Pass Program, and also continue contributing towards the Basic Transportation Needs Fund (BTNF), to help at-risk individuals in the community. Capital Metro, a founding partner of the BTNF, has contributed $1.2 million dollars to-date since the program began in 2011, and celebrates the program’s one millionth boarding this month.
Capital Metro also offers reduced fares at half the regular price for qualifying riders, including, seniors over 65, Medicare card holders, people with disabilities and students 6-18 with a valid school ID. The program requires enrollment and a Reduced Fare ID Card. Children five and under with an accompanying adult, and emergency and military personnel in uniform are welcome to ride Capital Metro at no charge.
