Fare changes are coming soon for DCTA riders. On Monday, January 14, 2019, and DCTA will launch a new, easier local fare structure for a seamless integration within the regional fare system. In addition, DCTA’s current fare prices featured in its Local Fare Promotion will become permanent to continue to offset the recent increase in regional fares and encourage ridership.
DCTA held a series of public meetings in September and November 2018 to garner feedback from the community regarding the recommended fare structure modifications, and agency staff conducted strategic passenger outreach in November to inform riders of the new local fare structure proposal. The results from these public meetings and rider outreach were presented and approved by DCTA’s Board of Directors in December 2018.
“The primary goals of our fare changes are to streamline DCTA’s fare structure for easier understandability, provide regional fare consistency with DART and Trinity Metro by aligning DCTA with its regional transit partners and offer lower local fare options to encourage ridership on our system,” said Raymond Suarez, DCTA CEO.
Simplified Local Fare Structure to Make It Easier for Riders
To simplify DCTA’s fare structure, Connect fares will be removed, and passengers can purchase a Local AM and PM fare for a similar price with the added benefit of access to the A-train as well as Connect. This will reduce the need for transfers and allow riders to have access to more DCTA services at a cheaper price. Below is an overview of key elements of DCTA’s new fare structure:
- Removal of the 2-Hour and Mid-Day Pass (Regional and Local)
- Addition of the Local AM/PM Pass (A.M. pass good from start of service to noon; PM pass good from noon to the end of service)
- Removal of the Regional 7-Day Pass
- Removal of the Local Summer Youth Pass
- Removal of all Connect fares
- Removal of all Transfer/Buy-Ups
- No changes to reduced rider eligibility
- No changes to the Group Discount Program pricing
- No changes to the University Pass Program
- No changes to the Non-Profit Discount Program pricing for non-profits, social service agencies, and special groups
DCTA’s Local Fare Promotion Ticket Prices to Become Permanent
Current fare prices featured in DCTA’s Local Fare Promotion will become permanent, which will encourage ridership and continue to offset the recent increase in regional fares. Key soon-to-be permanent DCTA local fare highlights include the Local Day Pass priced at $3 (was $6 before Local Fare Promotion), Local 31-Day Pass priced at $48 (was $90 before Local Fare Promotion) and the Local Annual Pass priced at $480 (was $650 before Local Fare Promotion). There will not be any changes to DCTA Access fares.
