Citing more than $6 million in funding losses due to budget cuts and declining tax revenues, the Long Beach Transit (LBT) Board of Directors yesterday voted to adopt fare increases that will take effect on February 15.
Regular fare increases from $0.90 to $1.10, while the price of a day pass increases from $2.50 to $3.50. A new five-day pass has been introduced and will run $16. Some rates will increase further in February of 2010. Students, seniors and the disabled are eligible for decreased rates, while blind and wheelchair passengers continue to ride free. The Passport downtown service remains free but will cost $0.25 in 2010. LBT is also taking other cost-saving measures but still does not expect to make up the entire $6.4 million decline in revenue.
“Public transportation across the state has suffered major reductions in state funding,” said President and CEO of Long Beach Transit Larry Jackson, in a release. “A fare increase is just one of many avenues Long Beach Transit has to go down to maintain the service on which our customers depend. We understand and regret the impacts to our customers.”
Record numbers of Long Beach citizens rode Long Beach Transit last year in response to high gas prices.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor