A MANUAL FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING A FARE CHANGE

Transit fare policy is determined by public bodies on the basis of their understanding of both the transit agency's needs and the general population's needs and preferences. This manual is designed to assist senior transit managers and transit board members in planning and implementing fare changes. The manual outlines the process that should be undertaken to ensure that the most efficient and equitable fare plans are submitted to policy-makers for approval. It is then up to the board members to use their political discretion in adopting a plan. This manual is divided into seven chapters reflecting the sequence of events that generally transpire when planning a fare change including; a description of the data that should be assembled and how they can be managed; a review of the fare options that are available to most transit agencies; a description of how to select the appropriate fare plan to meet the specific objectives of the transit agency; and a description of the steps that should be followed in implementing and evaluating a fare change. It is important to understand that this manual describes a process of fare evaluation and selection and not simply the mechanics of deciding how high the fare should be raised. The authors hope that these guidelines will provide managers and policy-makers with the backgroung and tools to assist them in designing fare changes that are efficient and equitable.