Evaluation of the July, 1980, SCRTD (Los Angeles) Fare Increase

This report presents an evaluation of the July 1980 fare structure revision planned and implemented by the Southern California Rapid Transit District (SCRTD). The changes included increases in both cash fares and monthly pass prices for different user groups; however, the most significant revision involved a substantial increase in the cash transfer charge. This report presents: 1) the results of the analysis of the impacts of SCRTD fare increases; 2) the impacts on total ridership and individual frequency of use of the SCRTD system; 3) the impacts of the fare structure modifications on fare payment used by the riders; and 4) conclusions drawn from the results and implications for future research. This evaluation indicates that SCRTD realized a substantial and stable increase in revenue without a significant ridership loss. However, there was a loss in non-work, off-peak discretionary trips. The majority of the new revenue generated was a result of a substantial increase in monthly pass sales. Major shifts in fare payment method were detected (from cash to pass for transferring passengers). The authors state that the most significant findings showed a large number of individual riders (40%) entering or leaving the system, increasing or descreasing frequency of use, as a result of changes in personal activity and not of fare structure revisions. The methodology used included an innovative retrospective panel interview, that is, riders using the system prior to fare changes were contacted months after the revision to determine what changes, if any, were made in their travel patterns.