Caltrain Board Approves Fare Increase

Following three community meetings and a public hearing, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board approved a 25 cent increase in the base Caltrain fare at its recent board meeting.

New onboard fares, which will go into effect Jan. 1, 2009, increase ticket costs by 25 cents, with multi-ride tickets and passes adjusted accordingly.

The increase, which will generate approximately $943,500 in additional revenue this fiscal year, is necessary to help offset the high cost of diesel fuel. The last fare increase was implemented in April 2007.

The board also approved replacing the 10-ride Ticket with an 8-ride Ticket. There have been problems with the cutting device on the ticket validating machines; the new 8-ride Ticket would not need to be cut, only stamped. The approximate 15 percent discount offered with the 10-ride Ticket would continue to be offered with the 8-ride Ticket, as would the option to purchase a monthly parking permit with the purchase of two Eight-ride tickets. The 8-ride Ticket is anticipated to be introduced in March 2009.

10/03/2008 - crd
Media Contact: Christine Dunn, 650.508.6238