The Rapid hosts three virtual meetings for feedback on proposed fare program changes

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Rapid is proposing changes to reduced and discounted fare programs for institutional partners, as well some changes to the Wave card system. These changes are intended to simplify and standardize programs in order to make them easier to navigate for riders and partners.

The meetings will take place on three consecutive days, starting on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021:

Monday, Feb. 22 – 6- 7 p.m. Live on The Rapid’s Facebook page
o Available via Zoom
Tuesday, Feb. 23 – Noon to 1 p.m. Live on The Rapid’s Facebook page
o Available via Zoom
Wednesday, Feb. 24 – 9 to 10 a.m. Live on The Rapid’s Facebook page
o Available via Zoom
These virtual meetings will provide an informational overview of the proposed changes, as well as an opportunity for Q&A with Rapid staff members. The proposed changes are as follows:

These virtual meetings will provide an informational overview of the proposed changes, as well as an opportunity for Q&A with Rapid staff members. The proposed changes are as follows:

1. Reduced, Donation, and Discounted Rate Programs The Rapids currently manages programs designed specifically for non-profit organizations, organizations that directly serve people experiencing homelessness, organizations that directly serve people experiencing homelessness, organizations that directly serve people experiencing homelessness, and discounted rates for educational institutions. The proposal would combine these programs and standardize the discounted fare at $1.25 per ticket. This will simplify the programs available to non-profits and post K-12 educational institutions, eliminate multiple discounts or donations programs, and create a more equitable standard for providing discounted cares. The program would be open to the following organizations:

1. 501(C)3 designated organizations

2. Post K-12 Educational Institutions

2. Fare Capping Structure As part of the implementation of the Wave fare system, a fare capping structure was put in place that enables riders to “earn” a 1-day pass, 7-day pass, and a 31-day pass on a rolling basis in accordance with how often rides are taken. The proposal recommends a change to monthly capping system, which will cover one calendar month. This change would eliminate the 7-day capping option and keep the one-day and monthly caps. The fare capping will reset on the first day of each new month. This change would simplify fare capping to make it easier to use and understand for all customers.

3. Negative Balance Elimination The implementation of the E-Fare system was initially configured to enable the Wave cards to allow for a negative balance of up to -$1.74. The proposal recommends the elimination of a negative balance allowance on Wave cards. This change will maintain equity among the Wave card categories and improve the ease of use of the Wave care for customers.

4. Shipping Fee The Rapid is proposing a flat shipping fee of $2.50 for all online fare purchase orders being mailed to customers to cover postage fees.

For any members of the public that are unable to attend next week’s meeting, additional options are available to provide feedback and comment: