Las Vegas RTC Increases Bus Fares, Changes Routes
Monday January 12, 2009
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada has raised bus fares starting today.
Standard fares, which were $1.25, have jumped to $1.75, the monthly full fare pass has gone up $15 a month, but the 30-day pass remains unchanged at $25.
Many residents are baffled by the 40% hike, which was approved back in November, given an economy that has many looking for jobs and in which even fifty cents per ride requires a little extra budgeting.
Over 30 bus routes are also seeing changes or have been eliminated completely. The RTC site has a full list of stops and routes that have been affected, including time changes and stop frequencies.
For questions and concerns call (702) 228-RIDE.
Comments
As much as no one likes to see an increase in fares, I for one understand that without raising fares the transit system can not continue to survive. If the RTC relies on a percentage of valley sales tax as its income to pay for the system and the economy has slowed down. That means they have less money to operate a fleet. Topped with the fact that the base fare has not increased in over 5 years, when other transit agencies increase theirs every year. I would say we are very fortunate to have gone this long without one.
I think that an increase in fares is completely reasonable, however, the increase here is a bit much. it went from 7.50 a week to go to work to 20.00 a week to go to work. some people cant afford that, thats why they’re riding the bus.