jccollins
Conductor
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2002
- Messages
- 1,266
The Bay Area Rapid Transit officials are raising fares, beginning today, by 5%. While this might not seem like a whole lot, BART is already an expensive "subway" type system. They recently began charging for guaranteed "premium" parking spots at most of their bigger stations. Those who can't afford shelling out an additional $63/month have to deal with full parking lots that can often take up to 30 minutes just to find a parking space (if you can find one at all).
I believe BART has already angered its passengers enough recently. Since 9-11, it closed restrooms in all its stations, cut its janitorial staff so stations and trains are much filthier than they were (it's pretty bad), cut trains from its schedule in an effort to save money, just began charging for the parking within the last few months, and now if raising fares. I am sure that it has done many other minor things that are a nuisance to its passengers, but I don't know all of them since I rarely (one a month, maybe) ride BART. Good luck, BART - but you're creating your own death! :blink:
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Article from Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- BART will raise fares starting Wednesday in an attempt to make up for a $60 million budget shortfall.
The 5 percent increase is expected to raise about $4 million through June, the end of the fiscal year, and should help the agency bounce back from a severe revenue drop, said BART spokesman Mike Healy.
The increase will amount to an extra nickel or dime per trip for most riders, while the price for longer rides will increase as much as 25 cents.
The fare hike, adopted in June by the BART board of directors, is the first in more than five years. Other steps to make up for the budget deficit have included layoffs, parking fees and project delays already in effect.
The prices will remain higher through June. Officials have not decided what will happen after that time. (my note: believe me - they won't cut the fares - they'll go up again if anything!)
I believe BART has already angered its passengers enough recently. Since 9-11, it closed restrooms in all its stations, cut its janitorial staff so stations and trains are much filthier than they were (it's pretty bad), cut trains from its schedule in an effort to save money, just began charging for the parking within the last few months, and now if raising fares. I am sure that it has done many other minor things that are a nuisance to its passengers, but I don't know all of them since I rarely (one a month, maybe) ride BART. Good luck, BART - but you're creating your own death! :blink:
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Article from Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- BART will raise fares starting Wednesday in an attempt to make up for a $60 million budget shortfall.
The 5 percent increase is expected to raise about $4 million through June, the end of the fiscal year, and should help the agency bounce back from a severe revenue drop, said BART spokesman Mike Healy.
The increase will amount to an extra nickel or dime per trip for most riders, while the price for longer rides will increase as much as 25 cents.
The fare hike, adopted in June by the BART board of directors, is the first in more than five years. Other steps to make up for the budget deficit have included layoffs, parking fees and project delays already in effect.
The prices will remain higher through June. Officials have not decided what will happen after that time. (my note: believe me - they won't cut the fares - they'll go up again if anything!)