From the PRTC Rider Express Email List
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On November 6th, the Board of Commissioners for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission authorized a fare increase for bus services operating in the Prince William County area. The new fares, which were discussed at six public hearings this fall, will take effect on Monday, Dec. 15.

The fare increase is part of a multi-faceted plan that the Board approved to defray higher-than-budgeted fuel and bus service costs and address overcrowding on PRTC's OmniRide commuter routes. The plan features more service hours and additional buses to ease overcrowding.

To supplement the bus fleet, the Board authorized PRTC to contract with Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. for the lease-purchase of four buses. Over the next few months, the four buses being lease-purchased as well as the new buses PRTC ordered months ago that are now being manufactured will be delivered and placed into service. Two of the new buses are expected in November, two more are scheduled to arrive several weeks later, and four others are expected between January and April.

The new fares per trip will be:
OmniRide commuter buses to points in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
SmarTrip: $4.75
Cash: $6.50

Metro Direct commuter buses to nearby Metro Stations
SmarTrip: $2.40
Cash: $3.00

OmniLink local buses within Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park
SmarTrip: $1.10
Cash: $1.10
Daypass: $2.50

Cross County Connector local bus between eastern Prince William County and the Manassas area
SmarTrip: $1.10
Cash: $1.10
Daypass: $2.50

Under the new fare structure, PRTC will continue to offer half-price fares for people 60 and older, those with a disability and those with a valid Medicare card.

The Board also has adopted a fare indexing policy as a guide for future fare changes. The indexing policy envisions fares being increased every two years, though the Board will have the discretion to depart from this if extenuating circumstances warrant. Future fare increase proposals will be subject to the same public review process as the fare increases just approved.