United States
After housing, transportation costs, are the second-biggest budget item for most families in the United States. In 2012, households that fall in the lowest fifth in household incomes spend 56% of their income on housing and transportation whereas households that fall in the highest fifth spend 46% of their income.[22] In addition, driving may not be an option for everyone. According to AAA, the average annual cost of owning a car is $10,183.[23] Thirty-three percent of low-income African Americans, 25 percent of low-income Latinos, and 12.1 percent of low-income Caucasians lack automobile access.[3] The Victoria Transport Policy Institute argues that unaffordable transportation can reduce economic productivity. Access to adequate and affordable transportation provides access to schools and jobs, increasing productivity and the opportunity for economic mobility.[24]
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
Metro Transit offers reduced fares to lower-income passengers through the Transit Assistance Program (TAP). TAP fares cost one dollar per ride and include a 2+1⁄2-hour transfer, even during Rush Hour and on Express buses.[25] To qualify, individuals must meet the low-income guidelines based on 50% Area Median Income or 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Individuals who qualify will then be issued the pass on a Go-To card which offers the reduced fare for one year.
Tucson, Arizona
Sun Tran offers reduced fares to low-income passengers ages 5 and over through its Economy Pass Program. Economy fares cost about a third of the regular fares.[26] To qualify, individuals must be a Pima County resident and meet the low-income guidelines based on the U.S. Department of Labor's Lower Living Standard Income Level. Individuals who qualify will then be issued a SunGO ID & Card which includes a color photo and is renewed annually.[27]
Northeastern Illinois
In September 2011, the Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois) (RTA) launched free fare cards for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities for travel on the region's three transportation systems: the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.[28] Previously, all seniors received free fares but due to the high cost of the program, now only low-income seniors and low-income individuals with disabilities enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging's Benefit Access Program are eligible for free fares.[29] An individual has to be a resident of Illinois and fall under specific household income thresholds to be eligible for the Benefit Access Program.[30] Once enrolled in the Benefit Access program, the individual must then apply for the Ride Free program through the RTA. Enrolled individuals are given a Ride Free permit which includes a color photo of the individual and requires renewal annually to prevent fraud.[29]
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City Transit offers free travel during off-peak hours and discounted monthly passes (15% less than a full fare monthly pass) for qualified low-income riders. To qualify, individuals must be a resident of Iowa City and already receive a form of state or federal aid.[31]
Ann Arbor, Michigan
TheRide in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers a Fare Deal Card for low-income residents, senior citizens, and people with disabilities to ride for a reduced fare. Reduced fares are half the cost of regular fares. Individuals apply and demonstrate eligibility by showing a Medicaid card or through a third-party authorizing agency.[32]
Washington
Kitsap Transit offers reduced fare cards to low-income individuals already receiving some form of state or federal aid. Reduced fares are half the cost of the full fare.[33]
The Clark County Public Transit Benefit Area Authority (C-TRAN) offers low income fares to residents who are already receiving a form of state-aid. The individual must bring a state-issued award letter and government-issued ID to the C-TRAN Passenger Service office where, if eligible, they'll be given a discounted fare C-TRAN ID card. The discount applies to monthly passes only which cost half the price of full fare passes.[34]
As of January 2014, King County Council is considering a fare change proposal which includes a reduced fare option for qualifying low-income riders. If approved, the changes would be implemented in March 2015.[35]
Madison, Wisconsin
In 2009, Metro Transit in Madison, Wisconsin launched a yearlong pilot study on low-income monthly passes after concerns were raised regarding the transit system's fare increase's impact on low-income riders.[36] A year later, the program was deemed a success and the program committee recommended that the City of Madison continue to fund the program.[36] Passes are sold on the 15th of each month on a first come, first served basis. In March 2013, Madison's Common Council approved additional funding to the program, allowing Metro Transit to provide 450 discounted passes each month, a 50% increase from the original 300 passes.[37] To be eligible, passengers must fill out a self-certification form that their income is at or below 150% of the national poverty line.[38] Advocates for reduced fare programs have said the use of self-certification rather than requiring proof of eligibility, results in administrative savings and is accessible and dignified.[39]
