It's official. It's going to cost more to ride Capital Metro. Capital Metro's Board of Directors approved bus fare rate increase Wednesday. It will also cost more to ride the rail line, even though it's not up and running.
Capital Metro says it's trying to avoid using federal stimulus money to pay operating costs. With this rate hike, only $300,000 of the $2.6 million would go to operating costs.
The Capital Metro bus stop in downtown Austin was busy Wednesday.
"I ride every morning. I have to get to school on Riverside," said Jermaine Rogers.
His ride is about to get more expensive. On Wednesday, Capital Metro's Board approved a rate increase.
"I have to pay for it -- that's why I don't really agree with it. I don't really have any other way of getting around and getting to school," said Rogers.
Rates will change, beginning January 18.
The cost for a single ride on the bus jumps from 75 cents to $1. The Express Service jumps from $1.50 to $2.50 Monthly bus passes increase from $18 to $28.
Some people are OK with the increase.
"Once you know the system and everything, I think it's worth it," said William McClintock, who rides the bus nearly every day.
For Capital Metro's rail -- which hasn't opened and doesn't have a firm start date -- those rates jumped too. Fares were set at $1. That's now doubled to $2. Monthly rail pass go from $36 to $70.
The increases are frustrating for those who believe Capital Metro should be doing better.
"I think they could improve a lot of things - like on scheduling. It's inconvenient sometimes. You have to wait an hour for a bus. Some buses - they don't go everywhere," said Blanca Gonzales.
The single ride base rate increase -- which goes from 75 cents to $1 -- could be vetoed. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) has 60 days to make that decision. As for seniors, the disabled and Medicare cardholders, they'll continue to ride for free.
