Public hearings have begun for a proposal that would implement a flat fare system on the Port Authority of Allegheny County transit system.
According to Ed Blazina, the Port Authority of Allegheny County is considering a proposal that would shift the system to a flat rate: "a $2.50 fare for all riders who use the prepaid Connectcard instead of the current system that charges $2.50 for shorter trips and $3.75 for longer trips. Cash customers would pay $2.75."
The Port Authority held its first public hearing on the proposal this week, but encountered very little opposition to the idea. According to Blazina, "The lower fare would benefit about 26 percent of all riders. The authority expects to make up the loss of about $4.4 million in the first year over a two- or three-year period through increased ridership and lower costs."
One group that would not benefit financially: Downtown riders who now ride for free.
For additional background, Melissa Daniels reported earlier this week on the how the Port Authority is pitching the fare proposal as an improvement in user experience.
FULL STORY: Few complaints voiced over Port Authority's flat fare proposal
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UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research