The City would like to hear your opinion on the proposed possible modifications to the Brandon Transit Fare Structure. There was a public consultation held on September 13th at City Hall, during which time three very different fare structure options were outlined in an effort to illustrate the kinds of changes that could be made to the existing Transit System.  
 
We have filmed the event and have uploaded the video (in 2 parts) to our City YouTube channel, so you may watch the entire presentation to have a better understanding of the three ‘scenarios’ that were outlined. Keep in mind these were only proposed strategies used to show the types of changes that could occur. Any resulting decisions made in the future will likely be a combination of one or more of these proposed strategies.  
 
http://www.brandon.ca/index.php/community-discussion/transit-fares  
 
So the question is: What do you think would be the best kind of fare structure for Brandon Transit in the future?  
 
Please Note: We are looking for constructive feedback on this particular topic. Please address the discussion at hand and be as specific as possible. We also ask that you be respectful of other people joining in on the conversation. Rude or unrelated comments will be removed.  
 
 
Edited by CityofBrandon, 2011-09-15 09:26:03

I like the looks of Model 3. But the one thing I am not liking, is the elimination of transfers. Sometimes, with the way the bus routes are, you just have to have that transfer, and if you eliminate them, then what?  
 
In Model 2, with the elimination of transfers, it says that the price of the persons trip wouldn't go up. Yet in Model 3, with the elimination of transfers, it says that the price of the persons trip will go up. If there was going to be an elimination of transfers, I would hope that there would be some change the the bus routes and schedules as well to accommodate that change.

Our family are occasional riders. This summer the three of us took the bus from SE Brandon to BU. This required one transfer. The other riders explained to us that the fare is only one way. We have used transit in another city where the fare was good for a specific period of time (90 minutes) and a short errand could be completed on one fare.  
 
Based on our family, and the cost of a return trip, we would balance this against the cost of walking one way and taking a cab home.

I really don't think either of the three models will work in the long run. Changes need to be made to the route structure and hours of operation to make Brandon transit a viable alternative to our cars. Has anyone tried to get anywhere in Brandon on a Sunday? When I moved here I was shocked to learn that there is no service at all. Also try getting anywhere from the north hill in a timely fashion. Unless you want to go Downtown that is. Unfortunately downtown is not an area a lot of us actually use anymore.

If Model 2 became the plan, those who currently require a transfer will purchase a pass whereas those on the direct line will use the cash system (20 working days per month times two rides would equal $40 for the direct cash passenger but $80 for the one requiring a transfer so a pass would be the obvious choice.) Parents having to stop at the daycare would also purchase a pass but they probably do already.  
 
I would adopt Model 2 with the understanding that the cash fare would be raised to $1.25 within three years ($50 per month for the direct cash passenger). This would allow those that currently need a transfer to finish off their lease and move to a new residence that is better suited for them transit wise (i.e. on a direct line and not needing transfers to get to or from work).  
 
With the cash increase in three years, I would still keep the passes at $60. These are the regular users because they have already paid for it. If they miss three days of work, they still pay for that transportation. For this risk of overpaying, you have to offer a significant underpay. Also, those with the passes will be more likely to take additional trips in off peak hours. If a group of six want to get somewhere and two or three have passes, they will bring the others on as cash passengers. For example, the cost of getting to the bar is greatly reduced and therefore the cost of the cab home becomes acceptable, especially when there is no vehicle for them to attempt to drive home.  
 
I would vote for Model 2 with the increase in cash fares three years from the start.

Since the transfers will be removed from some of the proposed models, I would like to see something like an express bus that goes from mall area to North end of town, it's quite a hassle right now.

sure what the solution is, but as has already been stated, eliminating the transfers in proposal 3 seems to make the cost of ridership go up. Rather than eliminating the transfers entirely, why not extend the time limit in which the transfers can be used? Don't eliminate bus tickets. For people using them to get to and from work, they are ideal. Not everyone can shell out $66 at the beginning of the month for a pass, but $17 is a much easier amount to part with.  
 
I'm concerned about the fact that the city wants to get rid of transfers entirely because, IMHO it's going to make the cost of ridership increase. If the city can offer bus passes to post secondary students at extremely reduced rates, then why can't it offer bus passes to the general public at a lower cost? I guess it's fairly easy to see that I'm not a fan of any of the models, making minor tweaks to the current model may be all that's needed.

Please keep transfers as part of the cost of a fare. Many people rely on transit as a budget friendly way to get groceries and attend appointments all over the city.  
 
I'd like to see the 90 min. time policy on transfers adopted here. Works great in other cites, and creates a thriving transport system that more people would use knowing that its more of a convienience than an inconvienience to get around town. I'd pay more for a better value like this. I'd also pay more for a Sunday service.  
 

I for one would use the bus system more often if the tranfer time was extended. Imo I think more people would as it would be a more convient way to get around the city.

I have been relying on the transit system for many years now. I do agree that changes need to be made. Get rid of the transfer? Seriously? You can't get on any bus in Brandon and get anywhere that you really need to go on the same bus! Unless you live down town and walk to the terminal. If you get rid of the transfer and go with either option 2 or 3 then what is the point because in option 2 you are just saving .15 cents, and in option 3 you are still making frequent riders pay more. So I really don't understand what you are getting at here? And eliminating off peak passes I know many people that rely on them and with the price of the monthly pass some families can simply not afford it. If you are going to make changes I would suggest lowering all the prices but not to $1.00, don't get rid of transfers, and don't eliminate off peak passes.

How many of you that say you want to keep the transfer read the other options that will be brought in. Electronic fareboxes are in the works, which will allow for day passes, at a reasonable price. Even without the transfer, fares will be half as much (give or take a few cents).

I like model 2 even with the transfer elimination. You could delay the decrease for a year until you get the extra buses you need. There must be somewhere you can get credit for taking that many people off the road. At 1 dollar I would ride much more often but at 1.25 or 1.50 I would reconsider my options. As far as transfers go we can take our bikes as well (during the warmer months anyway).  
 
I also would like to see Brandon Transit try to get more organizations with a upass type system. Maybe the high schools or Maple Leaf or whatever.

 
We at Brandon Transit thank you for your comments and suggestions and are encouraged by the interest that this issue has received.  
 
As most of the discussion so far revolves around the transfer issue, we’ll try to offer a little insight. One of the main objectives with the fare strategy is to increase the appeal of transit service to those not currently using the system without any increase in taxpayer support. By reducing the cost of the base transit fare, transit will become economically viable to those who wish to use it for shorter trips that do not require a transfer, whereas those who take longer trips will pay a fare comparable to current rates. In addition, minimal changes have been suggested for pass costs, with nothing adversely affecting the current core riders.  
 
In the near future, Brandon Transit will be unveiling new electronic fareboxes which give us the ability to offer all day passes on the bus. This pass would be priced comparable to 2 “linked” trips (2 buses to destination and two buses home), but would allow additional trips without further payment. We anticipate that this system may be online as early as 2012.  
 
Finally, the scenarios are offered as “extremes” for illustration and commenting purposes and we do not see them as hard choices. The final proposal may end up somewhere in between the extremes, but should not be higher.

I was at last night's council meeting and saw the presentation about what could be the proposed new fare of $1.15.  
http://notes.brandon.ca/main.nsf/Contents/596A6D2270E668668625792C00532B84/$File/Brandon%20Transit%20Fare%20Strategy%202011.pdf  
 
I am not a transit planner but always thought this makes a whole lot of sense in lower cost cities.  
 
Even here in Winnipeg where parking has gone up 50% in the last couple of years, it is still often cheaper for someone like me who lives in the West End of Winnipeg (therefore fairly close to places like downtown, HSC, U of W etc.) to drive and park than pay $2.35 x 2 for bus fare. Even on Jet games nights many lots that offer $5 evening parking.  
 
Make it closer to $1 and it would be a no-brainer to jump on the bus.  
 
I imagine that would hold even more true in Brandon, considering that parking is much cheaper and it's a fraction the size of Winnipeg.  
 
If it goes through I hope that Winnipeg Transit takes a look at the results !

Have the buses travel both ways. The main reason I do not even think of taking the bus is that it takes too long to get anywhere. It may be a 10 minute bus ride going to my destination but it takes 45 minutes to get back since I have to take the same bus the rest of the route. I can drive anywhere in Brandon in under 15 minutes and parking is rarely an issue. Since I own my car and only have the price of gas to consider Why would I waste almost an hour to save $1 in gas?