The OCTA is hosting a series of open houses seeking input from the public regarding a proposed increase to bus fares. Additionally they are conducting an online survey to get your input.

Apparently the state contributes money to run the bus system and the OCTA is obligated to collect  money in a ratio which looks like a minimum of 20% in order to maintain funding from the state as we learn from the OCTA notice:

“OCTA’s bus system is primarily funded by the state and in order to continue receiving this money, the agency is required to collect from passengers a minimum of 20 cents for every dollar spent on bus service. Called “farebox recovery,”  OCTA is in jeopardy of falling below this mark.”

The meetings will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

• Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave. in Santa Ana, accessible by routes 47, 66 and 145

• Friday, Sept. 21 at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills, accessible by route 91

• Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave. in Fullerton, accessible by routes 24, 26 and 43

• Tuesday, Oct. 2 at St. Anselm’s Cultural Center, 3707 W. Garden Grove Blvd. in Orange, accessible by routes 56 and 57

• Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Los Alamitos Community Center, 10911 Oak St. in Los Alamitos, accessible by routes 42 and 50

The last fare increase took place in January 2009. Since then, the cost to provide bus service has increased from $98 per service hour to $108.

The proposed fare changes are listed below:

• Proposed cash fare: $1.50 to $2 (+$0.50 / trip)

• Proposed day pass: $4 to $5 (+$1.00 / day)

• Proposed 30-day pass: $55 to $69 (+$14.00 / month, or +.50 a day for a 28 day-month)

Following the public meetings, the OCTA board is expected to vote on the proposed fare increase on Nov. 24. If approved, the changes would take effect Feb. 10, 2013.