A comprehensive evaluation of the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) existing fare structures and policies was completed in 2016 by an independent consulting service. On September 4th, 2019, the CCRTA Board of Directors approved the findings of the Independent Fare Equity Analysis, which recommended a fare adjustment.
CCRTA’s base fares are considered the lowest in the United States. The last change in fare was over 13 years ago ($0.50 to $0.75 base fare). In the time since the last fare change, the CCRTA has been affected by rising costs and inflation, which has limited increases in services and/or rider amenities.
Fare Adjustment Benefits
The fare adjustment allows for:
- Expanded services to needed areas
- Additional police/guards
- New transit technology
- Improved transfer stations
- Bus stop enhancements
Base Fare History
CCRTA last changed fare in 2006 (from $0.50 to $0.75.)
Fare is considered lowest in United States.
CCRTA’s current fare rate is $0.75.
Current Fare Rate Comparison
- HART (Tampa, FL) – $2.00
- ECAT (Pensacola, FL) – $1.75
- El Metro (Laredo, TX) – $1.50
- Sun Metro (El Paso, TX) – $1.50
- Rock Region Metro (Little Rock, AR) – $1.35
- VIA Metro (San Antonio, TX) – $1.30
- Victoria Transit (Victoria, TX) – $1.50
Fare Equity Analysis
English
Spanish
| Fare Category | Existing Fare | Proposed Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Fixed-Route | ||
| Base Fare | $0.75 | $1.00 |
| Day Pass | $1.75 | $2.00 |
| 7-Day Pass | $7.50 | $8.00 |
| 31-Day Pass | $30.00 | $35.00 |
| Transfers | Free | No Longer Offered |
| Reduced Regular Fixed-Route – Students, Seniors, Individuals with Disabilities | ||
| Reduced Fare (Peak Hours) | $0.25 | $0.50 |
| Reduced Fare (Off-Peak Hours) | $0.10 | No Longer Offered |
| Reduced Day Pass | - | $1.00 |
| 7-Day Reduced Pass | - | $4.00 |
| 31-Day Reduced Pass | $11.00 | $15.00 |
| Seniors Age 65+ | Reduced | Free |
| Fare Category | Existing Fare | Proposed Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Premium (Valid on All Express, Rural, Park & Ride Services) | ||
| Premium Fare | $1.25 | $2.00 |
| Premium Day Pass | - | $4.00 |
| Premium 7-Day Pass | - | $16.00 |
| Premium 31-Day Pass | - | $70.00 |
| 11-Trip Commuter Pass | $12.50 | No Longer Offered |
| Premium Reduced – Students, Seniors, Individuals with Disabilities | ||
| Premium Reduced Fare | $0.25 | $1.00 |
| Premium Reduced Day Pass (valid on all services) | - | $2.00 |
| Premium Reduced 7-Day Pass (valid on all services) | - | $8.00 |
| Premium Reduced 31-Day Pass (valid on all services) | - | $30.00 |
| Seniors Age 65+ | Reduced | Free |
| B-Line Fare Category | Existing Fare | Proposed Fare |
|---|---|---|
| B-Line Customers that are 65+ can ride CCRTA fixed-route services for FREE. All CCRTA buses are accessible and equipped with ramps or wheelchair lifts. | ||
| B-Line Regular Fare (trips within ADA service area) | $1.25 | $2.00 |
| B-Line Regular Fare + $2.00 Surcharge (trips outside ADA service area) | $3.25 | $4.00 |
| B-Line Pass (monthly) | $50.00 | $70.00 |
All dates/times are subject to change. Check back for future dates.
-
What are the benefits of the fare adjustment?
- Expanded services to needed areas
- Additional guards at transfer stations
- Police officers riding on various routes
- Additional shades, benches, and amenities at bus stops
- Increased cleaning/maintenance of transfer station
- New transit technology
- Improved/rebuilt transfer stations
-
Why is a fare increase being considered?
The cost to maintain vital fleet has exponentially grown for the organization. A fare increase would allow the CCRTA to maintain/improve the transportation system (fleet, equipment, transfer stations, and stops) while also increasing security and rider safety.
Overall, the fare increase would enhance the rider experience.
-
Can you give some examples of the fare changes?
If the proposed fares adjustments take place, the base fare would increase from $0.75 to $1.00. The day pass would see a similar increase of $0.25 to $2.00. With transfers no longer being offered under the proposed fare adjustment, if someone is making more than one trip (transfers included) a day pass would be recommended.
Example:
Ashley lives in Robstown, and takes the bus to her job at La Palmera Mall, and back home.
She takes Route #27 (Leopard) to Staples Street Station, before transferring onto Route #29 (Staples) to get her to work. After work, she takes Route #29 (Staples) to Staples Street Station, in order to transfer to Route #27, which will get her home.
Ashley’s Trips for the Day
1. Route #27 to Route #29
2. Route #29 to Stop #853
3. Stop #853 to Route #29
4. Route #29 to Route #27
With four trips, if Ashley paid base fare ($1.00) for each trip, she’d pay $4.00 each day. With a day pass ($2.00), she’d cut her cost in half. If Ashley goes to work five days out of the week, she’d pay $20.00 in base fare each week. Instead, Ashley could buy a 7-day pass for just $8.00, and save at least $12.00.
If Ashley worked 20 days in a month, her base fare costs would add up to $80. With a 31-day pass, she would pay just $35.00, and save at least $45.00.
If you are planning on making more than one stop in a day, the day pass is highly recommended.
If you use the “B” to and from work each day, the weekly or monthly passes are highly recommended for additional savings.
-
When would the fare adjustment take place?
If approved, the fare adjustment would take place in Spring 2020. The CCRTA will announce the specific date upon confirmation.
-
Where can I get more information on the fare review?
The complete Fare Equity Analysis is available for review in both English and Spanish:
English – Fare Equity Analysis
Spanish – Análisis de Equidad de Tarifas
You can also leave any questions or feedback with our Customer Service team, customerservice@ccrta.org or (361) 883-2287.
-
How can I share my feedback?
The CCRTA welcomes any and all feedback related to fare recovery.
You can join us at a public meeting. Check out our Public Meetings Calendar, for a list of upcoming dates/venues.
You can also leave feedback with our Customer Service team, customerservice@ccrta.org or (361) 883-2287.