News
Transit Fare Increase Effective July 1, 2012
Dianne Williams
Director of Communications
314-982-1440
July 1 will mark the beginning of the new fiscal year at Metro Transit and the implementation of a small fare increase on MetroBus and MetroLink. In May, the Metro Board of Commissioners approved the fare increase after conducting three public information sessions and a public hearing.
Metro is spending more money for fuel, vehicle parts, and other expenses that increase the cost of operating the Metro Transit system. Small fare increases were included as a key component of the region’s long range transit plan, Moving Transit Forward. That plan calls for raising fares by a small percentage approximately every two years to address the pressures of inflation on the region’s transit system, and to help ensure the long-term stability of public transit.
The increase is expected to generate an estimated two million dollars in passenger revenue for Fiscal Year 2013. With this increase, it is expected that passenger revenue will continue to support approximately 20% of the cost to provide transit service. The balance of the service is funded by local sales taxes and other forms of grants and assistance.
The fare increase will affect the prices of 2-hour, weekly, monthly, and semester passes. The cost of the 2-hour pass/transfer will increase from $2.75 to $3 (reduced fare would increase from $1.35 to $1.50.) Weekly passes will go from $23.50 to $25; monthly passes (which are being sold now for July) are increasing from $68 to $72 ($34 to $36 for reduced fare); and the university semester pass will increase from $145 to $150.
Metro base fares will not change. The MetroBus fare will remain at $2.00. The one-ride MetroLink fare will stay at $2.25 and the current $4.00 Metro Call-A-Ride fare will remain unchanged. Reduced cash fares for eligible seniors, children and customers with disabilities will also remain the same.
Exact cash fare is required to board MetroBus. Validated tickets or current passes are required on MetroLink. Metro passes can be purchased at the MetroRide Transit Store located at 701 Convention Plaza in downtown St. Louis or in advance at select vendor locations (visit www.metrostlouis.org for locations). One-Day passes and MetroLink tickets may be purchased at Ticket Vending Machines located at each MetroLink station. In addition, 7-Day and 30-Day passes may be purchased at Missouri MetroLink Stations. Metro passengers who do not show a valid ticket or pass are subject to citations and fines for fare evasion.
Metro Customer Service representatives are ready to assist customers with questions Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 314-231-2345 and 618-271-2345.
