26

711 grand ave, #110

san rafael, ca 94901
September 9, 2019
ph: 415.226.0855
fax: 415.226.0856
marintransit.org Honorable Board of Directors
Marin County Transit District
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903

SUBJECT: Fare Policy, Program Eligibility, and Low-Income

Fare Assistance Proposal

Dear Board Members:

damon connolly
president RECOMMENDATION: Information item only.
supervisor district 1

SUMMARY: As part of the 2020 Short Range Transit Plan update,

dennis rodoni the District has performed a comprehensive evaluation of fare
vice president policies and eligibility standards for Marin Access programs. Staff
supervisor district 4 conducted a survey of riders and detailed data analysis to develop
the recommended fare change proposal. In July 2019, staff provided
your Board with a summary of current fares and fare policies and the
kate colin
2nd vice president survey results.
city of san rafael
The attached staff report and presentation provide an overview of
proposed changes to the District fares and eligibility policies. The
judy arnold three areas that were evaluated for changes are:
director 1. Low-income fare assistance (LIFA) for older adults and those
supervisor district 5
with disabilities;
2. Program eligibility for demand response programs; and
stephanie moulton-peters 3. Fare policies.
director
city of mill valley Due to the interrelationships between these policies, staff
considered changes to these three areas concurrently.
katie rice
director
BACKGROUND: Marin Transit introduced changes to its fare
supervisor district 2 policies in the 2016 and 2018 Short Range Transit Plans (SRTP)
and recommended changes to the Marin Access fares and eligibility
thresholds in the 2016 Marin Access Strategic Analysis and
kathrin sears Recommendations Study.
director
supervisor district 3
Staff have been carefully weighing these recommendations and
guidelines to ensure they are consistent with regional goals and
eric lucan facilitate transfers with our partner transit agencies. This process
alternate began with a comprehensive review of fare pricing, policies, and
city of novato

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program eligibility standards as the basis for developing a proposal your Board’s consideration.
This approach was also influenced by the changing structure of the Clipper program. In
addition, Marin Transit cannot independently change its fares within the Clipper system as its
fare table in Clipper is shared with Golden Gate Transit. Until Clipper independence is reached,
all changes to the local fares must be agreed upon by both agencies.
Based on this review, staff updated the proposed changes as an important next step in
implementing new programs and advanced technologies.

As part of the 2020 Short Range Transit Plan, staff will present a formal recommended fare
change proposal to your Board in late 2019. Staff will update this proposal based on comments
from your Board, conduct outreach to riders who may be impacted by this proposal, and prepare
a Title VI Fare Equity Analysis for your review.

FISCAL/STAFFING IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.

Respectfully submitted,

Aida Banihashemi
Planning Manager

Attachments: DRAFT Marin Transit Fare Policy, Program Eligibility and Low-Income Fare
Assistance Report

Marin Transit Fare & Eligibility Policy Change Recommendations Presentation

2
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Fare Policy, Program Eligibility, and Low-Income Fare Assistance Report

DRAFT - September 2019

Marin Transit introduced changes to its fare policies in the 2016 and 2018 Short Range Transit Plans
(SRTP) and recommended changes to the Marin Access fares and eligibility thresholds in the 2016
Marin Access Strategic Analysis and Recommendations Study. Staff have updated these proposed
changes as an important next step in implementing new programs and advanced technologies. This
process included a comprehensive review of fare pricing, policies, and program eligibility standards as
the basis for developing a proposal for Board consideration.

Staff also revisited previous recommendations and evaluated policies and eligibility criteria for the
Low-Income Fare Assistance (LIFA) offered to seniors and those with disabilities. Staff developed
proposals to change fares on select programs and worked to identify fare payment and eligibility
changes that will benefit riders and increase the financial sustainability of Marin Transit programs.
These proposed changes are summarized below and will be included as part of the 2020-2029 SRTP.

In developing the proposed changes, staff identified the following fare policy and eligibility goals and
key considerations and challenges.

Fare Policy and Eligibility Goals

 Maintain cost effectiveness targets by service typology.

 Encourage pass/clipper usage over cash payment to streamline and improve operations
 Simplify senior/ADA program eligibility.
 Offer fare media that incentivizes ridership and simplifies payment.
 Keep fares and subsidy levels commensurate with the services offered across programs.
 Adjust fare assistance programs to maximize social equity and provide mobility options for all
Marin residents.
 Marin Transit fare policies should be consistent with regional efforts to coordinate and
integrate transit agencies fares.

Key Considerations and Challenges

 Marin Transit has not increased its Fixed Route and Paratransit fares since 2004.
 Fare revenues in Demand Response programs do not keep pace with increasing operations
costs and do not meet current financial performance targets.
 Marin Transit’s ADA Paratransit fare is the second lowest among peer agencies in the Bay Area.
 Some fares do not reflect the premium features offered across various services and programs.
For example, the fare for some curb to curb, non-ADA demand response services is lower than
the Fixed Route fare.
 Marin Transit cannot independently change its fares within the Clipper system as its fare table
in Clipper is shared with Golden Gate Transit. Until Clipper independence is reached, all
changes to local fares must be agreed upon by both agencies.
 Even though the fare for local trips is $2, Clipper users on local routes are required to tag-
on/tag-off. This continues to be an obstacle for attracting local passengers to use Clipper.

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When a passenger forgets to tag off on exiting a Marin Transit bus, they are charged a higher
regional fare.
 Eligibility criteria to receive low-income fare assistance is inconsistent across services and
programs. This has led to rider and community partner confusion.

Overview of Proposed Changes

Staff evaluated three areas for changes to include the proposal:

1. Low-income fare assistance (LIFA) for older adults and those with disabilities;
2. Program eligibility for demand response programs; and
3. Fare policies.

Due to the interrelationship between these policies, staff considered changes to these three areas
concurrently.

Low-Income Fare Assistance

Staff proposes changes to current fare assistance offered for Paratransit and Catch-A-Ride to provide a
financial safety net for older adults and those with disabilities in financial need and to simply the
application process. Table 1 presents a summary of current and proposed changes to the fare
assistance program. The proposed changes include:

Eligibility and application process

 Consolidate eligibility criteria for fare assistance and make it applicable to all programs.
 Streamline the LIFA application/determination process for riders. During the eligibility
determination process, LIFA will be offered to all eligible applicants across Marin Access
programs.
 Include Medi-Cal participants as eligible recipients. The County does not require the applicant
to specifically report income.

Financial Assistance

Phase 1, effective July 1, 2020

 All LIFA eligible riders will receive free access to Fixed Route services (new benefit)
 All low-income riders who are eligible for LIFA will receive $20 in credit each month for use on
any Marin Access program.

Phase 2, effective July 1, 2023

 The LIFA fare assistance will increase to a $25 credit each month for use on any Marin Access
program.

The following are expected impacts of these changes:

 The new low-income eligibility threshold will significantly increase the number of riders
eligible to receive LIFA fare assistance and offset any proposed increases in fares.
 A streamlined application process for Medi-Cal participants and options for documenting
income will remove the burden of duplicated paperwork for riders to obtain and/or
demonstrate to demonstrate LIFA eligibility.

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 Replacing ticket booklets with ride credits in riders’ accounts will eliminate administrative
work and reduce management costs.
 All potential LIFA eligible riders will be able to opt into multiple programs without the need
for separate applications.

Program Eligibility (Demand Response Programs)

To simplify and coordinate eligibility for programs targeted at older adults and those with disabilities,
staff proposes changes to the Catch-A-Ride and the Volunteer Driver programs. Table 2 shows a
summary of current and proposed changes to the fare assistance program. Below is a summary of
these proposed changes.

 Standardize eligibility criteria across Volunteer Driver and Catch-A-Ride programs to include
Marin County residents who are either 65+ or ADA eligible
 Proposed eligibility criteria will apply to all new applicants only, and current clients will be
grandfathered into programs.

Staff expects the following results:

 Consistent and simplified eligibility criteria will make the program easier for applicants to
understand and for community partners to share.
 The number of eligible riders will increase due to removing the 80+ age limit and the ‘no
longer driving’ criteria from Catch-A-Ride eligibility.
 New streamlined eligibility criteria will encourage seniors to consider "giving up the keys"
earlier by educating them about their transportation options before they lose their ability to
drive.

Fare Policy

The 2018 Short Range Transit Plan described recommendations for system-wide changes to fare
pricing and structure. Staff are using the 2018 SRTP update as a guide for the updated fare policy
changes. Staff continue to carefully weigh potential recommendations and guidelines to ensure they
are consistent with regional goals and facilitate transfers with our partner transit agencies.
The 2018 SRTP recommended fixed route changes to Clipper pricing and youth fares. Staff will delay
recommending any major changes to fixed route fares, due to the following factors:

 Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit are embedded within the Clipper regional fare system,
and changes related to fare structure cannot be achieved independently within the Clipper
environment. Golden Gate Transit declined to support proposed changes to youth fares.
 Regional efforts are underway by MTC and San Francisco Planning and Urban Research (SPUR)
to simplify fares and improve coordination within the region. Recommendations for significant
changes to fixed routes fares should follow guidance from the region and additional
coordination with our partner transit agencies.

Marin Transit will be designated as an independent operator under Clipper 2.0, which is expected to
occur by 2023. Staff recommends postponing fixed route fare changes to when the District has control
over its fare pricing, while remaining consistent with any future regional guidance.

The proposed eligibility and fare policy changes are shown in Table 3 and fall into two main categories:

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A. Adjust pricing and structure of Fixed Route Fare Media (passes)

B. Implement a phased update for fare structure and pricing of Marin Access/ Paratransit
programs

Fixed Route Fare Media Changes

7-day Passes:

Proposed Change:
 Eliminate the 7-day Pass for all fare categories, including Adult/Senior/Youth
The following are expected Impacts of these changes:
 Eliminate the administrative burden associated with providing weekly passes that are
currently underutilized.
 Minimal impact on current pass users. This is due to very low usage of this pass (below one
percent). Lowering monthly pass prices will be provide a new cost-effective option.

Monthly Passes:

Proposed Changes:
 Reduce Adults Monthly Pass prices to $40 (-50% compared to current $80 pass price)
 Reduce Senior Monthly Pass price to $20 (-25% compared to current $25 pass price)

The following are expected Impacts of these changes:

 Make monthly passes a more attractive option to encourage pass usage over cash fare
payments.
 Provide additional discount for regular riders who rely on public transit.
 Encourage additional usage of the services.

Demand Response Program Fares and Fare Policy

Dial-a-Ride (DAR) Fares

Proposed Changes:
 Increase DAR fare to $4.00 for the general public (from $2.00 to $4.00 for the Novato DAR and
from $2.50 to $4.00 for Rural DAR).
 Increase Senior/ADA DAR fare from $1.00 to $2.00.

The following are expected Impacts of these changes:

 Fare pricing to align with the premium aspects of DAR services compared to Fixed-Route (i.e.
on-demand curb-to-curb pick-up and drop-off services).
 DAR pricing to support operational efficiencies and cost performance targets.
 Higher DAR fares will be an incentive for the general public to use Fixed Route services over
DAR where possible. This will free up additional capacity for Senior/ADA riders and alleviate
current issues with providing sufficient capacity for these riders.

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ADA Paratransit Fares

Proposed Changes:
 Increase all paratransit program fares to $3.00 in Phase 1, effective July 1, 2020. This will
equate to a 50% increase in the fare for current mandated paratransit and a 20% increase
compared to current extended service area, or non-mandated, paratransit services.
 Increase all paratransit fares to $4.00 in Phase 2, effective July 1, 2023.

The following are expected Impacts of these changes:

 A competitive pricing structure will encourage riders to use Fixed Route services over ADA
Paratransit services where possible.
 Fare pricing will keep pace with growing paratransit operations costs and meet District’s
performance targets.
 Staff proposes increased eligibility thresholds and additional fare assistance subsidy levels for
the Low-Income Fare Assistance Program to alleviate or eliminate the impact of fare increase
on low-income riders.

Catch A Ride (CAR) Fare Structure

Proposed Changes:
 Adjust CAR fare structure to require an initial $4.00 fare from rider to activate the subsidy of
$14 per trip, effective July 1, 2020. The rider will pay 100 percent of the trip cost beyond $18.
The subsidy per trip level will remain the same as currently provided for CAR riders that are not
income eligible. Increase the limit of allowable subsidized trips to ten trips per month. This is
25 percent more trips compared to the current program.
 Adjust CAR base fare from $4.00 to $5.00, effective July 1, 2023. All other fare rules stay the
same. The rider will pay 100 percent of the trip cost beyond $19.
The following are expected Impacts of these changes:
 The initial $4 contribution encourages use of Fixed Route services over CAR where possible
 Increased fare revenue will allow program to continue to meet District’s performance targets
 Riders will have an additional two CAR trips per month to support increased trip making

Volunteer Driver Reimbursement Subsidy

Proposed Changes:
 Increase volunteer driver mileage reimbursement to $0.60/mile. This will be a 70% mileage
reimbursement increase for STAR and 50% mileage reimbursement increase for TRIP
compared to current rates.

The following are expected Impacts of these changes:

 Higher mileage reimbursements will increase the incentives for volunteer drivers to
participate in the program
 Increased incentives will encourage riders take more trips using the Volunteer Drivers
Program. The VDPs are more cost-effective than paratransit or other Marin Access services
 Provides additional support for Senior/ADA riders to ask for ride assistance

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Table 1: Overview of Current and Proposed Low-Income Fare Assistance Programs for Marin Access Clients

Current Programs
Proposed LIFA
Paratransit Fare Assistance Catch A Ride Fare Assistance

Marin County resident, age 80+, or 60-79

Marin County Resident, age 65+
Marin County resident or visitor and approved and no longer driving
Program Eligibility(1) for ADA service based on ability-based -or-
-or-
evaluation
ADA approved
ADA approved

LIFA Eligibility Threshold SSI Eligibility (2) Income Tied to Elder Economic Index(3) Income Tied to Elder Economic Index(3) or Medi-Cal Qualified

Ticket booklets valued at total of $40 Additional $4 subsidy per ride (up to $32  $20.00 in credit each month for use on all Demand Response programs.(4)
Financial Assistance
per quarter per month)  Monthly Pass for free access to Fixed Route.

 Medi-Cal status can be confirmed with County of Marin

 Proof of age/address/income required (documentation can include SSI letter,
Documentation Required to Demonstrate Eligibility SSI Eligibility Letter Self-Reported
AGI from federal income tax forms, recent paystubs, Marin County General
Assistance Letter, etc.)

Program Applicability Paratransit Only Catch-A-Ride Only All Programs that require a fare

Two 10-ticket/ride booklets mailed to

Additional subsidy applied at Credit added into e-wallet account to scheduling software and applied at
Process participant on a quarterly basis by
booking beyond CAR subsidy time of booking; Fixed Route monthly pass distribution TBD
Travel Navigators

Delivery Paper, manual process None - managed through Access database None - managed through scheduling software

Eligibility Renewal N/A N/A Annual

Notes:

1. Recipient of LIFA must apply and be approved for one of the Marin Access programs including ADA paratransit, Volunteer Driver, or Catch-A-Ride.
2. The income limit for SSI is the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is $771 per month/$9,252 annually for an individual and $1,157 per month/$13,884 for a couple in 2019.
3. Based on annual household income: $22,272 / 1-person household, Owner w/o Mortgage
4. Demand Response programs include Paratransit, Catch-A-Ride, Connect, Novato Dial-A-Ride, Pt Reyes Dial-A-Ride, and Dillon Beach Dial-A-Ride.

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Table 2: Overview of Demand Response Program Current and Proposed Eligibility

Demand Response Program Eligibility Existing Eligibility Criteria Proposed Eligibility Criteria Applies to

Local Paratransit Marin County resident or visitor and approved

for ADA service based on ability-based No Change No Change
(mandated and extended) evaluation

Marin County resident, age 60+

Volunteer Driver Reimbursement Programs
-or-
(STAR & TRIP) Marin County Resident, age 65+
ADA approved  Existing clients are grandfathered into programs
-or-
 New eligibility criteria apply to all new applicants
Marin County resident, age 80+, or 60-79 and ADA approved
no longer driving
Catch A Ride
-or-
ADA approved

Marin Transit Connect

None
No Change No Change
(General Public Services)
Dial-A-Ride
(Novato, Pt. Reyes, Dillon Beach)

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Table 3: Overview of Current and Proposed Fare Changes

Proposed Phase 1 Proposed Phase 2

Program Current
(July 1, 2020) (July 1, 2023)
Adult
Adult Cash Fare $2.00 No change No change
Adult Clipper Single Ride $1.80 No change No change
Adult 1-Day Pass $5.00 No change No change
Adult 7-Day Pass $20.00 Eliminate No change
Adult 31-Day Pass $80.00 $40.00 No change
Seniors 65+ / Persons with Disabilities
S/D Cash Fare $1.00 No change No change
S/D Clipper Single Ride $1.00 No change No change
S/D 1-Day Pass $2.50 No change No change
S/D 7-Day Pass $10.00 Eliminate No change
S/D 31-Day Pass $25.00 $20.00 No change
Youth Ages 5 - 18
Youth Cash Fare $1.00 No change No change
Youth Clipper Single Ride $1.00 No change No change
Youth 1-Day Pass $2.50 No change No change
Youth 7-Day Pass $10.00 Eliminate No change
Youth 31-Day Pass $40.00 Eliminate No change
6 Month Youth Pass $175.00 Eliminate No change
Annual Youth Pass $325.00 No change No change
Annual Youth Pass - low income Free No change No change
Marin Access
Novato Dial-A-Ride $2.00/$1.00 $3.00 (1) $4.00 (1)
Rural Dial-A-Ride $2.50 $3.00 (1) $4.00 (1)
Paratransit - Mandated $2.00 $3.00 (1) $4.00 (1)
Paratransit - Extended $2.50 $3.00 (1) $4.00 (1)
Catch A Ride Free up to $14.00/$18.00 $4.00 (1)
+ 100% of fare above $18.00 $5.00 (1) + 100% of fare above $19.00
Limit of 8 trips/ month (2) Limit of 10 trips/ month Limit of 10 trips/ month
Volunteer Driver No Fare - Driver reimbursement $.35/mile or $.40/mile West No Fare - increase driver reimbursement to $0.60/mile No change
Marin

Notes:

1. Income qualified Senior/ADA riders would receive Low-Income Fare Assistance (LIFA) . See the LIFA section for further details.
2. Qualified low-income riders get an additional $4.00 in subsidy per ride or free rides up to $18.00.

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Marin Transit Fare & Eligibility

Policy Change Recommendations
Marin Transit Board of Directors
September 9, 2019 Item 5
1
Presentation Outline 37

 Current Fare Structure & Policies

 Evaluation of Fares and Eligibility Policies
 Goals
 Current Fares and Eligibility Standards
 Proposed Changes
 Next Steps Toward Formal Fare Change
Recommendations

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Current Systemwide Fare Structure 38

Fixed Route
Fares
Category Cash Price Clipper 1-Day Pass 7-Day Pass 31-Day Pass
Adult $2.00 $1.80 $5.00 $20.00 $80.00
Youth (5-18) $1.00 $1.00 $2.50 $10.00 $40.00
Children Under 5 Free when accompanied by an adult
Seniors (65+) $1.00 $1.00 $2.50 $10.00 $25.00
Persons with Disability $1.00 $1.00 $2.50 $10.00 $25.00
Muir Woods Shuttle $3.00
Youth Pass Program K-12 pass offered countywide for $325 per year
College of Marin Class Pass small per credit fee for unlimited pass while a registered student

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Current Systemwide Fare Structure (con’t) 39

Demand
Response
Category Service Eligibility Required Cash Fare
Paratransit
Door-to-door $2.00
(ADA Mandated Service)
Paratransit
Door-to-door $2.50
(Non- Mandated Service)
Novato Dial-A-Ride Curb-to-curb $2.00 ($1.00 Seniors 65+)
Rural Dial-A-Ride Curb-to-curb $2.50
Connect On-Demand, Curb-to-curb $4.00*
Catch-A-Ride Subsidized Taxi Free up to $14 ($18 low-income)
$.35/mile or $.40/mile West
Volunteer Driver Driver reimbursement
Marin
* ADA eligible riders and clients registered for CAR or Volunteer Driver programs will get a 50% discount
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Other Discounted Fare Programs 40

 Fixed Route
 Marin County Youth Pass Program
• Students on free and reduced lunch program eligible for free pass
• 99% of school passes were distributed for free in FY18
 Homeward Bound Tickets and Bulk Discount Programs
• Free single ride tickets are distributed by Homeward Bound based on need of
transportation services
• Social service agencies that purchase in bulk receive discounts

 Demand Response
 Paratransit Low Income Fare Scholarship
• Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible for Low-Income
Fare Scholarship that entitles them to $40 per quarter to use for local
paratransit rides
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Fare Policy Evaluation 41

 Previous Efforts:
– 2018 SRTP Fare Policy Recommendations
– Marin Access Strategic Analysis and Recommendations
 Fare Usage and Financial Performance
 2018 Fare Payment Survey
 Annual Marin Access Passenger Surveys
 Holistic Evaluation of Current Fares and Eligibility Standards
 Initial vetting and input with partner agencies and
stakeholders

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Goals of 2018 SRTP Fare Recommendations 42

 Maintain cost effectiveness targets by service

typology
 Offer fare media that encourages ridership and
simplifies payment
 Maximize social equity and provide mobility
options for all within the County
 Streamline and improve operations through
encouraging pass/Clipper usage over cash
payment
 Keep Marin Transit fares in line with peer
agencies Item 5
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Guidelines for Fare and Eligibility Policy Changes 43

Fares:
 Fares should be simple to understand and implement
 Balance subsidy and fares to align with the level of service provided
across various programs
 Systemwide changes in fare pricing and structure that
−will lead to behavioral changes in fare payment to support operational
efficiencies
−incentivize ridership on more cost-effective services
Fare Assistance and Eligibility:
 Streamline and simplify low-income fare assistance across Marin Access
programs (Paratransit and CAR) to further support low-income populations
 Simplify eligibility across demand response programs
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Items for Board Discussion 44

 Low-Income Fare Assistance (LIFA)

 Marin Access Program Eligibility
 Fare Change Proposal

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Current Low-Income Fare Assistance 45

Program Eligibility Subsidy

Recipients of Supplemental Security

Ticket booklets valued at total
Current Paratransit Income (SSI)
of $40 per quarter
(Annual Income of $9,252 or less)
Based on Elder Economic Index Additional $4 subsidy per ride
Current Catch-A-Ride (Annual Income of $18,976 or less) (up to $32 per month)

Challenges
 Fare Assistance eligibility varies across programs
 Documentation required to demonstrate eligibility is inconsistent
 Income disclosure requirement prevents access to fare assistance
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Proposed Changes - Low Income Fare Assistance 46

LIFA Eligibility (all Marin Programs):

Based on Elder Economic Index
-or-
Registered Medi-Cal

Fare Assistance Subsidy:

All LIFA eligible riders will receive:
 Free unlimited access to Fixed Route (New Benefit)
 $20.00 in credit/month in Phase 1 (effective July 2020) for use on all Marin
Access programs (Paratransit, CAR, DAR, Connect)
 Credit will increase to $25/month in Phase 2 (effective July 2023)
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Proposed Changes - Low Income Fare Assistance (Cont’d) 47

Benefits:
 Significant increase in number of riders who will become eligible to
receive Low-Income Fare Assistance.
 Streamline application and determination process through registration
in-take that removes the barrier of reporting income for most, and is
easy to apply and document
 Consistent eligibility standard improves operations and our ability to
serve those with financial need

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Current Program Eligibility Criteria 48

Program Eligibility
Marin County resident and 60+
Volunteer Driver Programs
-or-
(STAR & TRIP)
ADA eligible
Marin County resident and 80+
-or-
Catch-A-Ride 60-79 no longer driving
-or-
ADA eligible
Challenges
 Eligibility standards are complex and inconsistent, resulting in
diminished program legibility
 Community partners have expressed challenges understanding and
sharing program information
 Age-based criteria is inconsistent with fixed route discounted fare for
seniors (65+) Item 5
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Proposed Changes – Program Eligibility 49

 Consolidate eligibility criteria for Volunteer Driver and Catch-A-Ride

programs to Marin County residents who are:
65+
-or-
ADA eligible
Benefits:
 Improved legibility of programs for clients
 Standardizing the age requirement to 65 would increase number of
eligible riders
 Streamlined program eligibility criteria would encourage seniors to
consider "giving up the keys" sooner and learn about programs at
early stages of aging
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Key Considerations – Fares 50

Fares
 Marin Transit has not increased its Fixed Route and Paratransit fares since
2004
 ADA regulations permit fares for mandated ADA trips to be as high as
double the regular fixed route fare
 Farebox recovery is declining in Demand Response programs, as operating
costs continue to increase (4.4% farebox recovery in FY18)
 Catch-A-Ride and Dial-A-Ride fares don’t reflect premium features offered
 Among peer agencies in the Bay Area, Marin Transit’s ADA Paratransit fare
is the 2nd lowest, and Monthly Passes are one of the highest in price

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Key Considerations – Regional Efforts 51

 Proposed fare policy does not make major changes to fixed

route cash fares, Clipper pricing, and youth fares
 Current Clipper challenges and changing landscape of the
Clipper program
– Clipper is embedded with Golden Gate Transit
– Requires tag-on/tag-off, even with flat fare structure
– Marin Transit cannot independently change Clipper fares
– Independence with Clipper 2.0 (MTC)
 Regional Fare Coordination and Integration efforts by MTC and
SPUR
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Proposed Fare Changes 52

Fixed Route
 Eliminate 7-day Pass for Adult/Senior/Youth categories
 Reduce Adult fixed route monthly pass from $80 to $40
 Reduce Senior fixed route monthly pass from $25 to $20

ADA Paratransit
 Increase fares from $2.00 to $3.00 in Phase 1 (effective July 2020)
 Increase to $4.00 in Phase 2 (effective July 2023)

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Proposed Fare Changes – Cont’d 53

Dial-A-Ride
 Increase Dial-A-Ride fare to $4 for general public, and to $2 for
senior/ADA

Catch-A-Ride (Subsided Taxi)

 Adjust to require an initial $4.00 fare in Phase 1 (effective July 2020)
and $5 in Phase 2 (effective July 2023) , rider then receives $14 in
subsidy and pays balance of trip over $18
 Increase trips from 8 to10 trips per month

Volunteer Driver Program

 Increase driver reimbursement subsidy from $0.35/mile ($0.40/mile in
West Marin) to $0.60/mile countywide
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Summary of Proposed Changes 54

 Low-Income Fare Assistance (LIFA): Simplify and

consolidate low-income eligibility criteria, increase income
eligibility thresholds and financial assistance
 Eligibility Standards: Standardize eligibility criteria across
demand response programs (Catch-A-Ride and Volunteer Driver)
 Fare Changes
 Fixed Route: Reduce monthly pass price, eliminate weekly passes
 Marin Access: Implement a phased fare increase for demand
response and paratransit

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Next Steps 55

 Receive initial feedback

 Staff will develop a final fare and eligibility standards proposal
 Present formal proposal for Board for consideration in fall of 2019
 Continue outreach and gather feedback from stakeholders in fall
and winter 2019
 Adopt changes in winter 2019/20
 Inform and educate riders of changes
 Changes become effective in July 2020

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 56

Thank You

Aida Banihashemi
Planning Manager, Marin Transit
abanihashemi@marintransit.org

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