For Immediate Release
May 19, 2022
Media Contact: Andy Cole
Communication and Marketing Manager
[email protected]
Office: 419.245.5213
Mobile: 567.249.5980
More than two years after implementing a zero fare policy as a coronavirus safety measure, the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) has released a structure to renew fares beginning with a pilot program scheduled to kick off Monday, Aug. 1.
In preparation to begin collecting fares, TARTA conducted a fare study that analyzed the Authority’s pre-COVID fare structure; conducted a state and national peer and best practice review; and established fare goals of simplification, alignment, affordability and modernization. Study results were presented to the TARTA Board of Trustees at their May 19th meeting.
TARTA’s simplified fare structure adds a day pass that can be purchased on board or at area locations, where pre-COVID day passes were available only through the EZfare app. It also expands the types of riders eligible for discounted fares to include veterans and active-duty military.
Pass Type | Pre-COVID Fare Structure | Pilot Program Fare Structure (Begins Aug. 1) |
Regular | $1.50 (no transfers) | $1.50 (free transfers within 2 hours of ticket purchase) |
Tokens | $1.36 | Not available |
Reduced Fare | $0.75 | Remains same |
TARPS | $3 ($30 10-trip pass) | Remains same |
Call-A-Ride | $3 | Remains same |
Day Pass | $5 (EZfare only) | $3 |
7-Day Pass | $15 ($7.50 reduced fare) | Remains same |
30-Day Pass | $60 ($30 reduced fare) | $45 ($22.50 reduced fare) |
TARPS 20-Trip Pass | $60 | Not available |
TARTA is eliminating tokens and the TARPS 20-trip pass from its fare structure.
“We are proud to be one of the first transit agencies in the country to go to a zero-fare system during the pandemic, but it is now time to invest and expand our system as people are returning to work and re-engaging with life after the pandemic,” said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski. “This equitable and affordable fare structure recognizes the value of public transportation, and the fares will be re-invested back
into the system.
“Our value to TARTA customers is more access and increased reliability as a ride to work, medical appointments, grocery shopping and so many other essential destinations.”
New fare boxes and validators placed on TARTA vehicles will be capable of accepting digital payments through the EZfare app in addition to passes and cash payments.
TARTA will conduct a six-month pilot program – approved by the Federal Transit Administration – and host community meetings in late 2022 before proposing a permanent fare structure to its Board of Trustees.
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about TARTA’s pilot fare structure, please see below.
About TARTA
TARTA provides a vital link in the Toledo metro area to jobs, education, health care and other destinations. It enables everyone in our community to have access to transportation regardless of their age, race, physical ability or economic background. TARTA is underway with exploring and introducing new initiatives and service options that will enhance convenience and customer experience while moving our region into the future of public transit.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE
MOBILE ALERTS
Detour and route updates sent directly to your mobile phone. To stop receiving text messages, reply LEAVE TARTA to the next message you receive from TARTA.
FOLLOW US!
Follow TARTA socially to get the latest news, bulletins and updates from your local public transit agency.
Accessibility
visibility_offDisable flashes
titleMark headings
settingsBackground Color
zoom_outZoom out
zoom_inZoom in
remove_circle_outlineDecrease font
add_circle_outlineIncrease font
spellcheckReadable font
brightness_highBright contrast
brightness_lowDark contrast
format_underlinedUnderline links
font_downloadMark links