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New Links Implementation Promotional Fare
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DESCRIPTION: Authorization for one-time free fares during first four days of New Links implementation, September 25-28, 2022
AGENDA NO: 22-124
ACTION REQUEST:
? Approval ? Review Comment ? Information Only ? Other
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to waive all fares for four days from September 25, 2022 through September 28, 2022 as a Promotional Fare Discount to support existing riders adjusting to major route and service changes going into effect on September 25, 2022 as part of the implementation of the New Links plan.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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RTA staff has been working toward the implementation of the New Links plan starting with its adoption by the Board on March 23, 2021 (item 21-015). Some of the minor changes that did not impact changes to routes have been implemented in previous service picks starting in July 2021. After extensive staff review the final changes to the bus route network, based on the New Links plan, were completed and published on July 14, 2022. The bulk of these changes will be going into effect for the Fall pick, on September 25, 2022.
In researching past experiences and lessons learned among other transit agencies that have recently completed a bus network redesign, one consistent recommendation was to include a fare holiday or free fares during the first few days of implementing such a significant change to riders. Even with extensive communication, marketing and direct outreach, many riders will experience confusion and disorientation during these first few days. Providing free fares was shown to reduce some of the anxiety and stress while riders acclimated to new routes and service. For example, if a rider takes the wrong bus accidentally, they will not have to pay an additional fare to get back on track. Additionally, feedback indicated this fare relief provides the operators with some buffer to diffuse and ameliorate distress...
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