Yuba-Sutter Transit fee increases considered

Fewer riders and less revenue for Yuba-Sutter Transit buses to and from Sacramento might mean those still commuting to the capital city will pay more beginning in July.

The transit authority's board of directors will take comment from commuters and vote on possible fare increases for Sacramento routes Thursday evening, as officials look to fill a budget deficit.

For regular riders like Jennifer Alvarado of Olivehurst, the fare increases would mean one less lunch eaten out per month, but she'd still take the bus.

"You don't pay for parking, you don't pay for maintenance," said Alvarado, 26, who's commuted for about two years and now works in the governor's office. "Everything else is going up too, so why not this?"

Under the proposed increases, monthly passes for Sacramento routes from both Marysville and Yuba City would cost $128, up from $112. One-way cash fares would be $4, from $3.50. Discount one-way fares would go from $1.75 to $2.

There would be no increase in the $10 discount tickets for those who use the Sacramento midday buses.

Fares on the Sacramento routes last rose in July 2007, when the monthly pass rose by $12 and the one-way fare by 50 cents.

Transit manager Keith Martin said such fare increases are necessary because ridership for the capital city routes has been down since it peaked in late summer 2008. Those lines now average about 10,000 riders a month.

The main culprits are the furloughs of state workers and the economic downturn, Martin said, though such furloughs are set to end at the start of the fiscal year on July 1, also when the fare increases could take effect.

Martin said it's possible commuters will balk at fare increases and drive instead.

"We feel the Sacramento service is very high value for our commuters," he said. "There will be a time when we have declining returns on service when we increase fares."

Compared to fares charged by other outlying transit agencies for Sacramento routes, he said, Yuba-Sutter's hikes are very fair.

Transit board member Mary Jane Griego, who represents Olivehurst and Plumas Lake on the Yuba County Board of Supervisors, said she's curious to hear rider input on the possible hikes.

"I hate that you have to raise fares on anybody, especially during these economic times," said Griego, who added she won't be able to attend Thursday's meeting. The balance between raising more from fareboxes and keeping ridership steady is delicate, she said.

For James Hancock, whose fiancee commutes to a real estate job in Sacramento five days a week, the balance would still tip toward her taking the bus.

"It's a lot cheaper than taking a car," Hancock said as he waited for her at the bus stop at McGowan Parkway and Powerline Road in Olivehurst on Monday evening. "It could be worse. They could stop the route entirely."

Martin added Yuba-Sutter Transit may have to raise fares on other routes as well at a later meeting. The transit agency board of directors is also set to adopt at 2010-11 budget at the Thursday meeting.

KNOW AND GO

WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Yuba County Government Center, board chambers, 915 Eighth St., Marysville.

WHAT: Yuba-Sutter Transit Authority public hearing on fare increases for Sacramento routes

HOW: Interested members of the public can also submit comments by mail to Yuba-Sutter Transit, 2100 B St., Marysville, or by e-mail to keith_martin@sbcglobal.net.

CONTACT Ben van der Meer at 749-4709 or bvandermeer@appealdemocrat.com.