Community Transit to raise fares as much as 75 cents

The rising price of diesel has led Community Transit to announce fare increases of as much as 75 cents for its popular commuter buses between Snohomish and King counties, starting Oct. 1.

Transit agencies around the country are raising fares or trimming service to pay diesel prices that have reached $4 a gallon — while gasoline prices are also pushing more riders onto the bus.

King County Metro Transit hasn't decided yet how to react to the higher fuel costs. A fare increase is possible, even though the agency raised fares 25 cents in March.

Community Transit operates 64 routes, as well as van pools and minibuses for the disabled, providing 40,000 passenger trips a day. About 160 buses cross the King-Snohomish county line each weekday to or from downtown Seattle, the University of Washington, Bellevue and Overlake.

The proposed increases, subject to board approval in August:

• For "local" trips within Snohomish County: Adult fares become $1.50 each way, a 25-cent increase. Monthly passes would be $54, a $9 increase.

• From south Snohomish County to King County: Adult fares become $3.50 each way, a 50-cent increase. Monthly passes would be $126, an $18 increase.

• Trips starting north of the Snohomish River into King County (routes 421, 422, 424, 425, 821): Adult fares become $4.50 each way, a 75-cent increase. Monthly passes would be $162, a $27 increase.

The agency would have considered an increase two years from now, but the gas-price spike is forcing it earlier, said spokesman Tom Pearce. Fares cover less than one-fifth of operating costs, which are paid mainly by sales taxes.

Community Transit still plans to launch its Swift bus-rapid transit service on Highway 99 next year.

Kitsap Transit will raise fares a quarter in August. Pierce Transit is unaffected by diesel costs, because its buses run on cheaper compressed natural gas. Sound Transit does not expect any fare changes this year.

Mike Lindblom: 206-515-5631 or mlindblom@seattletimes.com