Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Proposed FY 2014 Operating Budget of approximately $1.3 billion, an increase of less than 3% compared to FY 2013. Budget is projected to have a $38 million shortfall. Deferred votes on its operating and capital budgets, due to uncertainties in state funding levels.

The need for additional revenue, which had been assumed in MTA budget forecasts beginning in 2009, was confirmed in July 2012. The MTA announced specific fare and toll increase proposals last October.

The proposal would increase the cost per ride from $1.60 to $2, which would increase the price of a five-ride ticket from $8 to $10.

The city’s fare policy change will require people with mobility devices and the visually impaired, who have a card from the Canadian National Institute of the Blind, to pay full fare on city transit buses. Right now, cardholders can ride them for free.

Effective January 1, Everett Transit will increase its fares by 25 cents for most riders. City raised fares to offset rising fuel prices and expects to generate $400,000 to $480,000 in extra revenue next year.

Said that increasing fares would be unreasonable, since they believe buses are poorly maintained and often run late. Officials say the agency needs to raise fares about 25% every four years to help cover operating costs.

Down from $370.2 million total expenses in Fiscal Year 2012. Includes a fare increase set for July 1 and a 35% service reduction scheduled for Sept. 2.

The plan, which will be presented for approval to the board of directors of the MBTA, also includes $61 million in one-time revenues that must be approved by the state Legislature to help close the agency’s $159 million deficit.

Despite appeals and a presentation from University of Ottawa students, the OC Transpo Transit Commission refused to change the $35-per-semester fee increase to its U-pass. Students dispute the transit system’s calculations, which set the new revenue-neutral price.

Expecting 13 percent more commuters to use public transportation next year. Projected revenue increases are based on an expected rise in TRAX ridership — and higher fares — after the completion this summer of two highly anticipated light rail projects.