SacRT eyes 20 percent fare hike to cover FY losses

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is seeking public feedback on a plan to raise fares by about 20 percent beginning July 1.

Under the proposal, basic single fares would increase from $2.50 to $3, while the cost of a discount single fare would rise from $1.25 to $1.50.

The proposed fare changes would go toward covering the agency's projected loss of $19.6 million over the next five fiscal years. To close the projected deficit, the agency would need to increase FY2017 fare revenues by a minimum of $4 million, SacRT officials said in a report on the proposed fare increase.

Raising fares this year and in the future could generate an additional $31 million in fare revenue over five years, agency officials estimate.

SacRT has not implemented any fare changes since 2009, when the costs of single and discount fares rose by about 11 percent.

The agency will continue receiving feedback on the proposal through March 1. SacRT also will hold five open houses to review the fare changes and receive public comments.