Contact: Jonah Weinberg, 650.508.6238

Caltrain Approves Parking And Fare Increase

Following three community meetings and a public hearing, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board increased both fares and parking fees at Caltrain lots.

The parking fee increase, which will go into effect 0ct. 1, raises daily fees from $1.50 per day to $2.00 per day, and increases monthly parking passes from $15 per month to $20 per month. Additionally, the board granted authority to Caltrain Executive Director Michael Scanlon, to raise or lower parking fees at specific train stations, up to a maximum amount of $5 per day.

New onboard fares, which will go into effect April 2, 2007, increases ticket costs by 25 cents per zone traveled, with multi-ride tickets and passes adjusted accordingly.

“A fare increase is always a difficult decision,” said San Jose City Councilman and Caltrain Board Chair Ken Yeager. “We knew we needed to pass this increase to make up for more expensive operating costs, but we wanted to wait as long as possible so we could spare our customers the expense until absolutely necessary.”

The increased fees are necessary to help offset increased operating expenses, such as fuel, which is anticipated to cost at least 20 percent more than last year. Caltrain’s annual fuel budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 is three times more than it was in 2003.

6/30/06 - jbw