Caltrain Fare structure

[John Murphy]

I'm interested in opening a discussion to draw up an external (to
Caltrain) proposal for an overhaul of Caltrain's fare structure. The
theory being we then get the ridership as a whole to get behind it and
take it to the JPB/Caltrain.

This would first be focused on the elimination of the 8 ride tickets,
replacing that with an automatic 15% discount for Clipper users,
regardless of zone of usage.

Second would be elimination of the zone based system and going to a
BART like distance based fare.

There is no JPB meeting this August, giving time to prepare the
argument to deliver in September, attempting to bring Caltrain Staff,
JPB, and MTC in as we progress. They don't really seem to be clued in
to the problems in their setup, nor very interested in learning.

[Mark]

I too would like to see an elimination of the zone based structure,
ideally for everybody, but just clipper works for me too.

[Michael Mathews]

Interesting. I would say the zone system benefits me from time to
time. I usually take the train at Mt. View, but occasionally Sunnyvale
works out better. Same zone means no issue with my pass or 8-ride
tickets.

How would this work under a pass system?

The main problem with the Clipper implementation is that it made
everything less rider friendly. No Clipper machines at Caltrain
stations, delays activating your card when you make changes on the
web, having to tag on/off once a month to "activate" your pass, etc.
You can't zone upgrade an 8-ride ticket. In fact you can't even short
zone an 8-ride.

If we eliminate the 8-rides and use a discounted eCash system, then at
least I wouldn't have to activate/deactivate autoload for the 8-ride
tickets. In the months I decide to use a monthly pass, I just load it
at a Muni machine so no delay in having it on the card.

I am probably not a typical rider. I don't ride daily, and I don't
always use the same set of stations. Occasionally I buy a paper day
pass as it ends up being slightly cheaper (think Sharks game days).

makfan