Metro Transit / Metro Mobility Potential Fare Increase

Join the Conversation

The Metropolitan Council is proposing to potentially raise all transit fares for publically supported transportation later this year. Now is the time for us - the disability community - to tell the Metropolitan Council what we think of the proposal. 
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Here’s what we need to know:

• The cost to provide transit service in the region continues to grow. Whether it’s Metro Mobility, regular route bus, or light rail transit, budget pressures are prompting the Metropolitan Council to look at raising fares for additional revenue. 
• The Met Council currently anticipates a deficit in the 2018-19 transit budget of $74 million. 
• Fares could increase 25 cents or 50 cents on regular route (bus and light rail) transit, and either 50 cents or 75 cents on Metro Mobility. This change could go into effect this fall.
• Possible fare increases would affect all regional transit services, including those operated by Metro Transit, Metro Mobility, the Metropolitan Council (including Transit Link and suburban service), and suburban transit providers (Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Plymouth MetroLink, and SouthWest Transit).  

Metro Mobility and regular route transit service are critical to support independence for people with disabilities, many of whom who have limited incomes. Demand for this service has grown significantly in recent years, and the growth projections anticipate the demand will continue to grow between 5% and 8% a year, particularly as the population ages. 

What can we do? Provide our thoughts and comments in a variety of ways

The Metropolitan Council needs to hear from us in the disability community! What do you think of a possible fare increase? Let them know using the following methods:

• The Met Council will hold 4 public hearings and 8 public meetings to gather comments on the proposed fare changes.  Plan to attend a meeting if you can.
• Drop a note in the mail: Public Information, Metropolitan Council, 390 N. Robert. St., St. Paul, MN 55101
• Send an email: public.info@metc.state.mn.us
• Leave a voicemail with your comment: 651-602-1500
• TTY: 651-291-0904
• Take the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9RT3CWS

​For more information on these proposed changes go to: https://metrocouncil.org/News-Events/Transportation/News-Articles/Comment-now-on-proposal-to-raise-metro-area-transi.aspx

Kjensmo Walker

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