Caltrain slates meeting on fare hikes

Caltrain's board on July 6 will solicit public feedback on proposed changes to fares and parking rates.

Under the proposal, the cost of traveling within one of Caltrain's zone would remain the same, but fares for additional travel would increase by 25 cents per zone.

Caltrain last adjusted fares in 2016, when adult base fares and daily parking changes were increased by 50 cents.

Unlike most transit systems, Caltrain doesn't receive dedicated funding to support is operations. Operational costs have increased due to the challenge of accommodating record-setting ridership demand and maintaining an aging diesel system, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

Caltrain's fare revenue covers about 66 percent of its operational costs. Other local agencies typically help pay for operations, but they weren't able to provide enough to cover a projected $17.8 million operating budget shortfall for fiscal-year 2018, Caltrain officials said.

The fare hike proposal also would include a pilot program to provide discounted fares for weekend and evening riders.