Regionalizing Fare Structures to Link the RegionJulie Dupree

Easter Seals Transportation GroupCMRT Mobility Matters Event

May 7, 2015

The mission of the National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) is to facilitate communities to adopt transportation strategies and mobility options that empower people to live independently and advance health, economic vitality, self-

sufficiency, and community.

Funded by the Federal Transit Administration

Regionalizing Fare Structure

Why Regionalize Fare Structures?

More options aren’t always a good thing!

Show transit riders some love!

Abolish silly boundaries!

Everyone is doing it!

Denver RTD Fare Regionalization Timeline

San Francisco Bay AreaCLIPPER Card

Serves riders of seven Bay Area transit agencies:

– San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)

– Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

– AC Transit

– Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)

– CalTrain

– Golden Gate Transit and Ferry

– SamTrans

Launched in 2010 after successful six-month TransLink pilot that linked six agencies in 2000.

CLIPPER Card Lessons Learned

A business rule had to be written into the software to accommodate all possible trip and transfer combinations

Tremendous acceptance attributed to multi-cultural and multi-age outreach

People don’t like transfer penalties!

Transportation advocates urging MTC to prioritize integration of first/last mile services into the future CLIPPER system, including bike sharing, car sharing, parking, etc.

Miami Dade Transit/South Florida RTAEASY Card System

Helps riders transfer between Miami-Dade Transit’s Metrorail/Metrobus and South Florida RTA’s Tri-Rail

Introduced by MDT in October 2009 and adopted by SFRTA in January 2011

Regional monthly pass allows travelers to seamlessly travel between the two systems

Process started by SFRTA after extensive research on regional collaboration.

System administered by MDT EASY Card Customer Service Center shared by MDT

and SFRTA

MDT/SFRTA EASY Card System Lessons Learned

Regular methods of community outreach were not enough - customer education needed

Conduct outreach to all community members, not just regular weekday commuters

EASY Card not adopted by Broward County Transit or Palm Trans Buses due to older technology.

Success attributed to MDT having full project control and direct contact with contractor

Form strong partnership with contractor to work toward common goal of achieving a fast and successful implementation

A streamlined regional fare policy limits the number of possible fare combinations

Washington State Puget Sound Region ORCA Card

2009 implementation of a 2003 agreement between seven area transportation agencies :

– Sound Transit– King County Metro– Community Transit– Everett Transit– Pierce Transit– Kitsap Transit– Washington State Ferries

Fare System Regionalization Challenges

Public Outreach and Marketing

Lack of coordination and multi-modal

Large degree of planning and coordination necessary – be realistic to the size of your system

Emerging technology challenges and delays

Smart Cards with good intentions can become a hassle for people with disabilities and older adults

Resources

• http://www.masstransitmag.com/article/10628401/coming-together-regional-farecard-update

• http://www.nctr.usf.edu/pdf/77705.pdf

• http://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/environmental/docs/rfp-transi-regionalization-plan.pdf

• http://www.tcrponline.org/PDFDocuments/TCRP_RRD_57.pdf

Julie DupreeEaster Seals Transportation Group

(202) 403-8332