C-TRAN (Washington) - New Fare Structure and 2005 Service Reductions

New Fare Structure and 2005 Service Reductions

In May 2005, as the first phase of the two-part service reduction strategy, C-TRAN introduced a new fare structure. Under this scheme, the previously All-Zone commuter services between Portland, Oregon and Clark County with the sole exception of the 165-Parkrose Express were designated "Premium" routes (i.e., Routes 105, 114 that originates in Portland as "105–114", 134, 157, 164, 177 and 190 are all Premium services). No regular monthly or all-day passes from either TriMet or C-TRAN are now accepted on the Premium buses, unless a passenger purchases a $105 Premium pass (which is also valid as an All-Zone pass in C-TRAN, Portland Streetcar and TriMet). A single-ride fare on a Premium bus is $3. Fares on Premium buses are now collected as passengers board, and previously-allowed free rides within Portland's Fareless Square between Portland State University and the Pearl District have been eliminated.

C-TRAN issues and accepts All-Zone transfers upon request. Passengers who use a C-Zone fare must pay each time they board the bus or purchase a Day Pass either a C-Zone day pass valid only on C-TRAN Local and Limited routes or a GoAnywhere Express Day pass which is also valid on TriMet and the Portland Streetcar. Pursuant to the fare reciprocity agreement, C-TRAN and TriMet continue to honor each others All-Zone fare instruments.

C-TRAN would have been forced to eliminate nearly half of all its transit services effective September 25, 2005 if additional funding had not been secured; however, a second ballot measure was passed that allowed for the preservation of current service levels (at that time), and additional service to be added to smaller cities such as Ridgefield and La Center. These changes helped return service to its pre-2000 levels. (See below.)