TDM Toolbox

Subsector: Transit
Reduce Transit Fares
VMT Reduction Potential: 2
Cost: 3
ROI: 2
CVAG Relevancy: 4
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Private: Educational Institutions, Employers, Property Managers, Transportation Management Associations (TMAs)/Transportation Management Organizations (TMOs)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies, Transit Agencies

Description

Reducing the cost of transit fares will lower the cost associated with taking transit. Similar to the transit subsidization strategy, reduction in transit fares can incentivize a shift from single occupancy vehicles to public transit as it becomes a cheaper transportation alternative.

Implementation Details

  • Reduced fares can be implemented on specific SunLine routes or implemented system wide.
  • Low-income populations, K-8 students, college students, or state/government employees can receive reduced fares as part of SunLine programs.
  • Continue fare reduction programs for high school students and seniors in Coachella Valley

Mitigation Potential

Reducing transit fares can lead to reductions in VMT, primarily by reducing the cost to use transit and encouraging a shift from Single Occupancy Vehicles.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-29. Reduce Transit Fares, pg. 204-207 for VMT reduction quantification.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Target promotions toward transit-dependent populations (youth, seniors, or low-income individuals) and residents of Disadvantaged Communities (DACs). Monitor equity outcomes using disaggregated data on program usage by income and geography.

Funding Sources

Funding sources include the Regional Active Transportation Program -Riverside Region (Southern California Council of Governments), and the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program: Sustainable Communities: Competitive and Technical (Caltrans).

Examples/Case Studies

SunLine Transit Haul Pass

SunLine Transit offers fare free ridership to grades 9-12, CSUSB Palm Desert, and College of the Desert.

Kings Area Rural Transit (KART)

KART offers subsidized transit fares in Kings County, reducing mobility barriers in rural communities