The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has frozen fares for low-income riders enrolled in CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, as SANDAG considers a 30% transit fare hike. Residents criticize outreach efforts as misleading, while some support the increase to avoid service cuts.
The transportation committee will vote on July 17. - MTS board voted 8-4 to freeze fares for eligible low-income riders.
- Proposed hikes would raise one-way fares from $2.50 to $3 this fall, then to $3.25 in 2027. - Residents argue surveys forced a false choice between fare hikes and service cuts.
- SANDAG analysis found no adverse impact on minorities or low-income residents. The fare hike aims to maintain service levels, but critics warn it could reduce ridership and burden vulnerable communities.