Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) is considering raising bus fares for the first time in 16 years as operating costs continue to rise and the city’s rising population leaves fewer options for federal funding toward public transportation.
MTD announced the proposed change prior to a series of public meetings and a community survey that will give the public an opportunity to weigh in on the two options for a higher fare structure, which could raise the price from $1.75 a ride to either $2.25 or $2.50.
Bus fares have not increased since 2009, but several recent changes have caused a financial strain on local public transportation. Operating costs have increased by more than 10 percent over the past five years, while revenues from rider fares only account for 20 percent of MTD’s working budget…