We are seeing some mis-information about the new fare structure that is being implemented April 1st 2016 in the Victoria Regional Transit System (this fare structure does not affect other parts of the province). Here are some of the common questions we are hearing with some facts from the VRTC meeting:
When are the changes effective?
-The changes will be effective as of April 1, 2016.
What products are affected?
-The products affected are the Youth Pass, discount ticket, and paper-transfer, all of which were eliminated. Cash, adult tickets, and all monthly passes saw no fare changes.
How is transit funded in the Victoria Regional Transit System?
-Funding for transit in Victoria is set in legislation and the split is as follows:
Victoria Regional Transit Commission (VRTC) Share: 68.3%
Provincial Share: 31.7%
The VRTC Share is comprised of:
Fare Revenue
Property Tax
Motor Fuel Tax
Advertising
Other operations
The VRTC seeks to strike the optimal balance between fare revenue and property tax, and as such, fares are reviewed every three years to ensure an appropriate mix.
How was this decision made?
-The VRTC approved three potential fare options for BC Transit to evaluate. This evaluation was performed in three ways:
Quantitative: impact of each option on revenue, ridership, and average fare.
Qualitatively: impact of each option on the operational efficiency and transit operator safety.
Public consultation: gaining the public’s opinion of each option through an online survey, mail, email, telephone, and an open house. Transit operators were also surveyed on the three options.
Where did option four come from?
-Based on extensive feedback received during public consultation, as well as information received from several advocate groups, BC Transit prepared and presented a fourth option which strived to balance the concerns of all involved. The VRTC approved this alternative option at their meeting on December 8, 2015.
Why are you removing paper transfers?
-The removal of paper transfers is designed to improve the safety of transit operators and offer a more convenient option for limitless all-day travel. Despite being used by a small percentage of users, paper transfers were the most common source of operator conflict within the Victoria Regional Transit System. Additionally, misuse of transfers is a common source of fare fraud within the system.
I am a transfer user – how does this affect me?
-BC Transit transfers are valid for one-way travel only within a 60 minute time limit. The VRTC’s decision to remove transfers will affect transit users who are taking more than one bus and who are not returning to where they began their journey.
If you use transit to return to where you started your journey, the cost of your round trip will not increase if you choose to purchase a day pass on board.
As of April 1 2016, cash and ticket users riding on more than one bus can purchase a day pass on board for $5.00 cash, or two tickets from a sheet of 10 (equivalent to $4.50), and be entitled to unlimited all day travel and transfers within the Victoria Regional Transit System.
Will I still be able to buy Day Passes from my local vendor?
-No. Day Passes will be available for purchase exclusively on the bus. Should you still wish to pre-pay, you can purchase a sheet of ten tickets and use two of them to buy a day pass on the bus. The equivalent price of this is $4.50, versus the cash price of $5.00.
Why are you removing age-based discount* tickets?
-Removal of discount tickets was decided on to reduce operator and passenger conflict by eliminating visual confirmation on age-based discount tickets. Additionally, removing discount tickets will simplify our internal processes allowing BC Transit to provide more cost-effective service.
*Discount tickets where age-based special pricing applicable to youth and seniors (up to 18 and over 65), purchased in sheets of 10 for $15.
Will I still be able to buy discount tickets?
-No. The fare structure approved by the VRTC included the elimination of discount tickets. In line with a single cash fare ($2.50) and single day pass fare ($5.00 or two tickets), you can still purchase a sheet of ten tickets for $22.50.
If I have discount tickets, can I still use them after April 1?
-This policy is under review and will be confirmed at the February 2016 VRTC meeting.
If I have the current version of the Day Pass, can I still use it after April 1?
-This policy is under review and will be confirmed at the February 2016 VRTC meeting.
Can I still buy the multi-month Youth Pass?
-No. The fare structure approved by the VRTC included the elimination of the Youth Pass in favour of giving youth a discounted monthly pass.
This decision was based on four points:
Feedback we received from parents regarding the high upfront cost, as the minimum purchase was six months, maximum was 12 months. Therefore, cost ranged from $210 to $420 at each purchase time.
The high administrative costs of the Youth Pass.
Lack of equality – the pass was not available to all age groups.
Availability – Youth Passes were only available to purchase at Head office and participating schools.
The Youth Pass elimination has no effect on the U-Pass program.
Youth Pass customers wishing to continue to pre-pay on a monthly basis will still be eligible to purchase a discount monthly pass.
Will existing Youth Passes be valid after April 1, 2016?
-Yes. Any Youth Pass purchased prior to April 1, 2016 will be honoured until its expiry date.
Can I still take my children on board for free when using a Day Pass?
-Yes. When an adult pays the appropriate Day Pass fare on board he/she is entitled to bring up to four children aged of twelve and under on board for free.
Is handyDART affected?
-No. handyDART fares are not affected by this fare review.
Do I have to buy a Day Pass when boarding the bus?
-No. If you are taking a single trip which only requires one boarding, you can pay with a $2.50 cash fare or single ticket.
