Salt Spring officials will be floating options for changing the island’s public transit fee structure in the new year, looking for public feedback on a fare scheme that hasn’t been adjusted since 2012.
Salt Spring’s Local Community Commission (LCC) voted Dec. 11 to advance three versions of what will likely be fare increases for almost all classes of island riders, differing mostly in how quickly those rates go up. One proposes a gradual increase over several years, another an immediate bump-up to fall in line with inflation and a third eyes a larger increase for single-ticket riders over two years with more discounted passes.
LCC members said they would recommend no changes to BC Transit without hearing from the public first. In addition to a planned survey, Capital Regional District (CRD) senior manager Dan Ovington said staff would be heading into the community for feedback as well, likely in January, although not in an extensive — or particularly costly — way, given budget constraints.
“We’re looking at doing an open house at the Rainbow Recreation Centre,” said Ovington, adding that a date would be publicized when CRD and BC Transit staff can settle on one. “There will be boards up and an opportunity for people to provide input. So staff resources, but not [many] costs.”