Chief Financial Officer Chris Andrichak presented the staff report.
Public Comment:
Jesse Gunn, Hayward Teacher and Ward 6 candidate, commented against fare
increases, adding it does not address the issues about ridership. Gunn commented on
strategies, emphasizing a focus on increasing ridership and investing in enhancing the
rider experience. Gunn added agreement for fare caps but cautioned its impact to
riders with limited budgets.
Laurel Paget-Seekins commented how raising fares is a daunting task for Board
members and that current reported information may still be inadequate. Paget-Seekins
noted that riders are more interested how fare increases affect their lives and not
about how many fare deferrals have previously been made and raising bus fares will
force some riders to cut costs elsewhere. Paget-Seekins suggested the Board take
advantage of discussions on Clipper 2 to analyze and develop a better fare policy.
Brian Culbertson noted how the District's transit fare would compare with other Bay
Area transit agencies following a fare increase, adding how other Bay Area transit
agencies are focusing on lowering transit fares. Culbertson commented on how current
District revenue reporting shows increasing fare revenues due to ridership increases,
and suggested the Board hold off on fare increases for two years.
Carter Lavin, Transbay Coalition, noted that a fare increase would be the opposite
action to other Bay Area transit agencies. Lavin disagreed with the notion that
customers will pay whatever you charge, and that riders will leave the system for other
modes of transit. Lavin added that implementing a fare increase at a time the District
has a $56 million budget surplus is unnecessary.
Sam Greenberg opposes a fare increase and that increases in revenue will occur with
the continued increasing pace in ridership. Greenberg commented that the number one
priority should be to continue to grow ridership and a fare increase would negatively
impact the poorest community of transit riders.
Anthony suggested that the Board hold off on any decision to raise fares until June
2024 as the Board approaches upcoming reporting of Clipper 2. Anthony requested a
holistic review of the fare increases involving rider feedback.
Joshua Gunter, Transbay Coalition, commented on a community coalition letter
submitted to the Board addressing the fare increase and listed the agencies who signed
onto this letter who request the Board to reject the proposed fare increase and ensure
that transit is accessible and affordable to all.
Ren Fitzgerald urged the Board to reject a fare increase and instead focus on increasing
ridership and improving the rider experience.
Dave Lyons reflected on the stress to bus operators following a fare increase. Lyons
noted that ridership will decrease following a fare increase.
Vallery Lancey commented on peer transit agencies that are prioritizing ridership which
offers more leverage for pursuing funding sources in lieu of fare increases. Lancey
addressed the ease by which riders can switch to cars when they’re faced with rising
fares and noted that a fare increase will not significantly impact the issues with the
fiscal cliff in an impactful way.
Raul Maldonado commented that the time is not right for this fare increase.
MOTION: YOUNG/SHAW to adopt Resolution 24-009, Option 2.
