SEATTLE - Coming this summer some commuters may have to pay more to ride Link Light Rail or Sound Transit buses.
Thursday is the last chance people can give their input before the Sound Transit board votes Thursday afternoon. So far more than 100 people have sounded off on the possible rate hikes.
From some riders, planning a trip on sound transit can turn into this:
"It's very confusing and it's no fun," one rider told KING5 at Union Station.
And Sound Transit agrees. The agency is looking to restructure its bus and link fares and zones.
"Riding in the region you could be paying 10 different fares," said Bruce Gray, Sound Transit.
The biggest change that's being considered is for adult riders traveling from Snohomish and Pierce Counties into Seattle. One proposal: commuters would pay one fare of $2.50 if they're riding within the county and pay one fare of $3.50 if they're crossing county lines.
"What that does is even out the fares, because you're paying less to ride from Snohomish to Seattle even though it's about the same distance to Tacoma," said Gray.
Gray says if approved some fares on the bus and Link could go up 50 cents this summer. That's an extra $2.50 a week and $120 a year, for the average commuter.
Some riders said they're okay with the increase, saying Sound Transit does a good job. Others thought it was a bit high.
The agency says it hasn't raised fares in five years and needs to pay for increased operating cost.
"Ultimately taking the bus taking the train is still going to be most efficient and economical way to get from point 'A' to point 'B,' said Gray.
Sound Transit officials says it knows tough times. So the plan is to roll these "fare hikes" in phases to ease some of the pressure off their rider's wallets during June 2010 and then again June 2011.
The public can share their comments Thursday at noon at Union Station at the board meeting. The Sound Transit plans to vote and take action afterwards.
To add a comment, please register or login.