WTA Board admits fare hike will reduce ridership

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  The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) board acknowledged in an Aug. 6 workshop that a 2026 fare increase will cause a 2% decline in fixed-route ridership“She said, "That does factor in a 2% decline in ridership on fixed route[s] for fare increase." Guess who will belong to WTA's Two Percent Club? WTA will be throwing under the bus people living below the local income median.”
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  Staff projections indicate that a 2026 fare increase will cause a 2% decline in fixed-route ridership“She said, "That does factor in a 2% decline in ridership on fixed route[s] for fare increase."”
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  The projected decline in ridership will disproportionately impact residents living below the local income median“Guess who will belong to WTA’s Two Percent Club? WTA will be throwing under the bus people living below the local income median.”
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  The WTA's $60 monthly cap on fares may not fully offset the increased cost for low-income ridersNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The WTA's $60 monthly cap on fares may push more people to rely on personal vehiclesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The WTA's $60 monthly cap on fares may increase air pollutionNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  A staff member reported $1.7 million in projected fare revenue for 2026“She said, "That does factor in a 2% decline in ridership on fixed route[s] for fare increase." Guess who will belong to WTA's Two Percent Club? WTA will be throwing under the bus people living below the local income median. Even with the $60 monthly cap (which means you ride free to the end of the month after you have paid $60) or reduced-fare cap, one living under the income median will find it very difficult to afford the new fare ( CDN, Aug. 14, 2026 ). The further under that median line, the more likely one will be to join the club. Membership will probably rise above 2%, adding that much more to individual car pollution of our air. Fare increases in the transportation industry, like worker reductions in the rest of industry, are the easiest way to lower the deficit. The 2027 projected fare increase of $1.4 million will have a small impact on WTA's whopping operating deficit. The board will say, "Every little bit helps." Is that "little bit," though, worth the pain and stunted lives that it causes the vulnerable”
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  A staff member reported $3.1 million in projected fare revenue for 2027“She said, "That does factor in a 2% decline in ridership on fixed route[s] for fare increase." Guess who will belong to WTA's Two Percent Club? WTA will be throwing under the bus people living below the local income median. Even with the $60 monthly cap (which means you ride free to the end of the month after you have paid $60) or reduced-fare cap, one living under the income median will find it very difficult to afford the new fare ( CDN, Aug. 14, 2026 ). The further under that median line, the more likely one will be to join the club. Membership will probably rise above 2%, adding that much more to individual car pollution of our air. Fare increases in the transportation industry, like worker reductions in the rest of industry, are the easiest way to lower the deficit. The 2027 projected fare increase of $1.4 million will have a small impact on WTA's whopping operating deficit. The board will say, "Every little bit helps." Is that "little bit," though, worth the pain and stunted lives that it causes the vulnerable”
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  The staff member's projections factored in a 2% ridership decline“She said, "That does factor in a 2% decline in ridership on fixed route[s] for fare increase."”
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  The board plans to implement a 2027 fare increaseNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The 2027 fare increase is expected to generate $1.4 million in additional revenue“The 2027 projected fare increase of $1.4 million will have a small impact on WTA's whopping operating deficit.”