The King County Council approved a low income fare program on Feb. 24th, one of the few in the country. Metro Transit’s fares have been steadily increasing to cover a budget shortfall due to a dip in important operating budget sources: sales tax revenue, down from the recession, and the motor vehicle excise tax, cut by voter initiatives.
The low income fare will be $1.25 pending a ballot measure in April, (or $1.50 if an agreement is not reached) a full $2 off a two zone peak fare or $1.50 off a one-zone peak fare. The regular fare will increase $0.25 at the same time the low income fare goes into effect, March 15th, 2015. The ballot measure will also determine if Metro needs to make a 17% service reduction.
The eligibility threshold for the low-income fare would be 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, currently $22,980 for an individual. Adults in a family of four earning up to $47,100 would also be eligible.
Bellevue College is in talks with Metro on how the low income fare ORCA card could be authorized and distributed on campus.
Read the King County press release
Last Updated April 8, 2014