WTA proposes changes to bus fares

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) could soon be changing its bus fares. The changes would affect the price of the 31-day pass, increasing from $25 to $30, and the 92-day pass, increasing from $70 to $90.

Select passes, which have a reduced fare, would also increase in price, from $13 to $15 (31-day select pass) and from $35 to $45 (92-day select pass). In addition, the 92-day student pass would increase in price from $40 to $45.

Youth 18 and under would be able to ride for free. Currently, youth ages eight to 18 pay $1 for a single ride, $15 for a 31-day pass and $40 for a 92-day pass.

“In 10 years, we’ve both expanded and improved our services quite a bit,” said Maureen McCarthy, WTA’s community relations and marketing manager. “Most people who ride frequently buy a pass because it’s a much better deal than paying the cash fare.”

According to a WTA performance report from 2018, 77 percent of riders paid for multi-day passes.

At a community meeting held on October 16, McCarthy said that there was positive reaction from the community. She said that she receives supportive input every day from phone calls and emails.

“People are excited about the low fares for youth, and they understand the price increases,” McCarthy said.

Two public hearings in Bellingham will offer the community another chance to offer input. The first will be held on Thursday, November 21 starting at 8 a.m. at the Whatcom County Council chambers at 311 Grand Avenue. The second will be on Wednesday, December 4 starting at 6 p.m. at Carl Cozier Elementary School cafeteria at 1330 Lincoln Street.

A board of directors, which includes elected officials such as the Bellingham mayor and the Whatcom County executive, will be reviewing the proposed changes and public comments. If approved, the new bus fares would go into effect starting mid-2020.

“This is probably part one of a two-part process,” McCarthy said. “The board also has an interest in exploring changes to our other fares, such as paratransit.”

Paratransit is a service that WTA currently offers for those with mobility impairments who are not able to ride the fixed-route bus system. The paratransit buses offer curb-to-curb transportation.