Plan for low-income Metro bus fares

Executive announces structure for reduced-fare program for low-income Metro bus riders

Acting upon new recommendations from an independent task force, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced Thursday how King County will implement a reduced-fare program for lower-income bus riders by March 2015. King County Metro will be the second major transit system in the nation to offer this type of fare.

"One of the ways we create opportunity is by helping people get to work, get to school, and get to the services they need to reach their full potential," said Executive Constantine. "This reduced fare program will ensure that those who have lesser means still have access to opportunity."

The reduced fare will be $1.50 for those who qualify. It takes effect on March 1, 2015, the same day that all regular Metro fares will increase by 25 cents – the fifth fare increase for Metro riders since 2008. In that time, off-peak fares will have increased by 100 percent.