Speak up for Free and Reduced Cost Transfers to Improve Transit Affordability and Convenience
Riders pushing for a seamless transit system have the opportunity to speak up for free and reduced cost transfers for trips between agencies this Monday 3/27.
This Monday at 12:30p, the Bay Area’s Fare Integration Task Force, composed of transit agency general managers, is considering the proposal for free and reduced cost transfers on trips between agencies. The proposed program would last 18 months - 2 years starting in Summer 2024 as part of the launch of the next-generation Clipper payment system, Clipper 2.0. To make the free transfer program happen, the program will need to be approved by transit agency boards separately in the Fall/Winter of 2023.
Free and reduced cost transfers is one step in the Fare Policy Vision that was approved in 2021 by MTC and transit agencies. Free and reduced cost transfers are a key recommendation in the Fare Integration study as it was estimated to generate about 25,000 new transit trips daily, boosting transit ridership. Read more about Clipper 2.0 in our blog post here.
The agenda for the Fare Integration Task Force meeting, including agenda can be found on MTC’s website here. To make public comment supporting free and reduced cost transfers, you can join virtually on Zoom here. Dial in information is US: 888 788 0099 (Toll Free) or 877 853 5247 (Toll Free), Webinar ID: 899 6102 5331.
Talking points include:
Thank you so much for this project. This is a commonsense step to make transit more convenient and affordable, which will help increase transit ridership.
Please approve moving it forward - this should be a top priority for all agencies.
As General Managers, when communicating with your board, please speak up as a leader showing your strong support for this program which makes transit better for riders and increases public support for transit.
It is critical to improve the convenience and affordability of transit in the Bay Area especially as Bay Area transit agencies face a fiscal cliff. Showing steps to regrow ridership is essential to win the confidence of legislators to provide state funding and voters to approve regional funding.
Thanks so much for speaking up in support of seamless transit.