King County metro has one of the most complicated fare systems in the country, but all of that could be changing soon. After six months of planning and reading 11,000 online surveys from all of you, the county executive is proposing a plan that would change the fare system to charge just one flat rate to all riders.
The current system charges riders $2.75, a quarter more expensive than normal. But if you’re leaving the city heading to another “zone,” you’d pay $3.25 during peak hours. King County says customers find all of that confusing, and it unfairly impacts commuters.
Ayesha Taylor who commutes by bus, is a regular rider.
When she first moved here a few years ago, she found the system challenging.
“I was confused, I was very, very confused,” Taylor said.
The King County Metro Transit charges different fares depending on the time of day, or how far you’re going.
“Everybody complains about it, you go to one zone it’s $2.50. You go to another zone, it’s $3. It’s confusing if you don’t have the right money and they say okay now what do I do?” said Ray Hickson, who also commutes by bus.
Thursday, County Executive Dow Constantine proposed a new plan – one drafted after input from 11,000 people through online surveys.
The plan would get rid of zones, and peak rates and charge $2.75 for all riders.
“Oh hell, they should’ve done that years ago,” Hickson said with a laugh.
“ I absolutely love that,” Taylor said.
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Commuter Tex Clark says he’s used to the different rates, but does have a complaint.
“On time record – they’re usually pretty close, but I should already be gone right now but the bus is a few minutes late,” Clark said.
The county says its new fare system will help with that too.
“When just one of those customers has to stop to ask about bus fares or fumble for change, those few seconds of delay ripple throughout our transit system,” said Rob Gannon, the Metro Transit general manager.
“Oh yes, many, times, people arguing (with the driver) it’s only $2.50 it’s not $2.75,” said Gale Shinozaki, a daily bus commuter and member of the Transit Advisory Commission, a citizens group.
The county says charging a $2.75 flat rate for all riders will make the system more efficient and more fair.
“Rising home prices means people have been pushed farther and farther from the place where they earn their living. And for them this new fare means more money in their pockets,” said Dow Constantine, the county executive.
Increasing the base fare by a quarter means the county will be able to spend more money on subsidized fares for low-income riders – about $2.3 million more, by 2020.
The county council will review the proposal over the next few months. Metro transit hopes the changes will be approved by the end of the year.
Cox Media Group
