Dayton RTA To Increase Fares 3 Year

Dayton RTA To Increase Fares 3 Year. The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is set to undergo its first fare increase since 2018, beginning January 1, 2025. This fare adjustment marks the start of a three-year series of annual increases designed to address the rising costs of maintaining public transit services. With consumer prices having surged by more than 35% since the last major fare adjustment in 2009, the RTA is making these changes to ensure the continued operation and quality of its services.

Why The Fare Increase Is Necessary

Bob Ruzinsky, CEO of Greater Dayton RTA, explained that while the organization has managed to keep fares low for years, the increasing costs of operations have left them with no choice but to raise fares. Over the years, the RTA has implemented cost-saving measures such as cutting routes, reducing service levels, streamlining administration, and adopting new technologies. However, these efforts are no longer sufficient to offset rising expenses.

“Today, we are simply faced with the reality that in order to maintain our current services, the rider is going to have to help cover the rising costs of doing business,” said Ruzinsky.

Details Of The Fare Increases

The fare increases will be implemented over three years, with changes to single-ride fares, daily passes, monthly passes, and paratransit services. Below is a breakdown of the upcoming fare adjustments:

• Single-Ride Fares: Currently at $2, these fares will rise to $2.20 on January 1, 2025, $2.40 in 2026, and $2.50 in 2027.
• Daily Passes: The cost will increase from $4 today to $4.50 in 2025, $5.50 in 2026, and $6.50 in 2027.
• Monthly Passes: These will see a price hike from $55 today to $60 in 2025, $70 in 2026, and $80 in 2027. Notably, the price of monthly passes has remained unchanged since 2009.
• Paratransit Services: The single-ride fare will increase from $3.50 today to $4 in 2025, $4.50 in 2026, and $5 in 2027. Similar increases will apply to daily and monthly passes.
• Connect On-Demand Services: Currently free, these services will cost $3 in 2025, $4 in 2026, and $5 in 2027.

Community Response And Adjustments

The RTA has sought feedback from the community through surveys, public hearings, and other forms of engagement. Some riders and community groups have expressed concern that the fare increases will negatively impact low-income residents who rely on public transit for essential travel, such as getting to work, attending appointments, and shopping.

In response to this feedback, the RTA decided to stagger the fare increases, implementing them once per year at the start of the new year, rather than more frequent or immediate hikes. The first increase, initially scheduled for September 2024, was postponed to January 1, 2025.

The RTA also conducted a fare equity analysis to ensure that the fare increases do not disproportionately impact vulnerable and minority communities. The analysis, required by federal regulations, found that the planned fare hikes would not have a disparate impact on these groups.

Who Uses RTA Services?

Survey data collected by the RTA provides insight into the demographics and usage patterns of its riders:

• Work Commutes: Over 50% of respondents indicated they use RTA services to commute to work.
• Other Uses: About 10% of riders use the service for shopping, and another 10% for social visits.
• Demographics: 57% of surveyed riders identified as Black, while 32% identified as white.
• Income Levels: Nearly 70% of riders reported annual incomes below $35,000, with only 5% earning $75,000 or more per year.

Conclusion

The upcoming fare increases by the Greater Dayton RTA are a necessary step to ensure the sustainability of the transit system amid rising costs. While these changes may present challenges for some riders, the RTA has made efforts to implement the increases gradually and equitably. By doing so, the RTA aims to maintain current service levels and potentially enhance services as the community’s needs evolve.