MERIDIAN, Idaho — Valley Regional Transit (VRT) is hosting two open houses this week ahead of a possible fare increase.
The first is set for July 23 at 5 p.m. at the Nampa Public Library. Following the open house will be a public hearing at around 6:30 p.m. The second will be July 24 at the Collister Branch of the Boise Public Library at the same time.
For more information on the proposed fare changes, click here. If you can't make it the open houses, you can still provide comments via a survey or by emailing info@valleyregionaltransit.org. The deadline for comments is Saturday, August 3.
The price increases would vary dpending on the type of ride. The single use rate for adults would increase 50 cents and annual universal passes are increasing around 78 dollars.
"What we're trying to do with this change is both simplify the fare structure so that there aren't as many different fare types to confuse riders, as well as increase the amount of revenue that we generate per boarding, which helps us be more sustainable," said Stephen Hunt, the VRT Principal Planner.
Valley Regional Transit staff and Board will review all public comments the Board may update the fare increases based on input. The Board is scheduled to vote on any fare increase at its August 4 meeting. Any fare changes will be implemented by October 1.
Valley Regional Transit hopes the fare increase will cover most of the services used. The last fare increase in Ada County was in 2003 and in Canyon County the last fare increase was in 2008.
