Bus Riders Union of Austin, Texas | El Sindicato de Pasajeros

Following a weekend retreat for Capital Metro staffers, our bus company is again interested in doubling bus rates, reports the Austin American-Statesman. They attempted this last fall, but after we researched the facts, we argued that increasing bus rates was a counter-productive move to: keeping access open to riders who have no other transportation option, improving air quality, or reducing congestion. It was also clear that fares are in no way connected to service improvements since there were none proposed.

One major difference between last fall and what the Statesman just reported is the future financial situation of the bus company. While we were given the gloomy forecast last fall that raising fares was the only way to not bankrupt the bus company, we see now the $600 million surplus forecasted for the next 20 years. Staff says that around 40% ($240 million) would be from fares, which leaves a sizeable $360 million for us bus riders. The $240 million figure also does not include how much Capital Metro will pay to charge fares over this time period.

So now Capital Metro will be singing a different tune: it appears that they will be arguing for fare increases for the simple fact that they can raise fares, and the argument that increased fares would provide a more sustainable transportation system would fall flat on its face since a $240 million surplus from raising fares pales in comparison to the billions of dollars afforded by a fare-free system (between increased productivity and avoiding non-attainment status).

We are currently in non-attainment status since the Austin metropolitan area currently pollutes too much, and doubling bus fares would only put many old, polluting clunkers back on the road, which would severely worsen our chances of avoiding non-attainment status.

We are calling on Capital Metro to show some vision and work with area policymakers to ensure a high quality of life for the Austin metropolitan area.