Short Range Transit Plan 2008-2013 - Omnitrans

IBI GROUP
SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN REPORT
OMNITRANS COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT
& SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN
8. FARE POLICY FY 2008-2013
Recommended Omnitrans fare policy is based on the requirement of achieving minimum farebox
recovery ratio objectives set for fixed route, OmniLink and Access Service. Omnitrans is required by the
Transportation Development Act (TDA) to maintain a farebox recovery ratio of at least 20% for its general
public services. In FY 2006, the farebox recovery ratio was 20.63%. In order to provide a farebox
recovery ratio buffer and ensure that its TDA obligations were met, at a Board Planning and Productivity
meeting on September 13, 2006, Omnitrans fixed route fare structure was established to achieve a
minimum 25% farebox recovery ratio. OmniLink fare structure was established to achieve a minimum
10% farebox recovery ratio. Access Service fare structure was established to achieve a 10% farebox
recovery ratio.
In order to meet its farebox recovery ratio goals, Omnitrans decided to raise the fares charged to
passengers. In August 2006, Omnitrans’ Board of Directors approved an increase in the fixed route base
fare from $1.15 to $1.25, and in the Day Pass from $2.75 to $3.00. These changes took effect on
Tuesday, September 5, 2006. One of the staff recommendations when the fare increase was considered
by the Omnitrans Board was to develop a long term plan as part of the Comprehensive Operations
Analysis (COA) for the 2008-2013 Omnitrans SRTP.
Fare Policy FY 2008-2013
The fare policy for FY 2008-2013 was developed after considering the fare policy goals and objectives set
out in the March 2003 FY 2004-2008 Fare Policy and Implementation Plan prepared by Booz-Allen
Hamilton and conducting historical analysis of rider and revenue trends for Omnitrans fixed route,
OmniLink, and Access services. The report set out the fare policy goals, developed in conjunction with
stakeholder input and the Fare Policy Committee, as follows:
• Optimize fare revenues and other financial resources to ensure that Omnitrans
can successfully meet its ridership goals and service delivery objectives.
• Develop a market-driven fare policy that attracts people to transit as the region
grows by promoting the benefits and worth of transit.
The following systemwide objectives were proposed to support the overall goals, and provide guidance
for the fare study and a basis for evaluating alternatives:
• Build ridership while maximizing revenue.
• Price fares so that passengers pay a reasonable amount and Omnitrans
achieves systemwide farebox recovery targets.
• Maintain ease of understanding, use, enforcement, and customer convenience of
the fare structure and ensure fare media are recognizable and durable.
• Provide fare media options that meet rider needs.
• Promote regional fare integration and common fare media with connecting transit
services and build intercounty ridership.
• Minimize boarding times through fare technology and media options.
• Provide for regular fare structure reviews and adjustments.
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