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Wichita Falls transit proposes day pass and monthly fare increases; public hearings set
Summary
Transit staff proposed eliminating single‑ride tickets, adding a $3.50 day pass and raising monthly passes to reduce subsidies and cover rising operating costs; the council opened and closed a public hearing and staff set additional meetings for public comment.
Wichita Falls transit officials on June 17 presented a proposal to adjust fares for the city's bus system, citing increased maintenance, fuel and personnel costs and the expiration of federal pandemic aid.
Transit staff said the city has not increased fares since 2013 and presented a package that would eliminate the $1.50 single‑ride ticket with transfers, introduce a $3.50 day pass valid for 24 hours from first use and modestly raise monthly pass prices. Staff proposed raising the regular monthly pass from $45 to $50 and said reduced‑fare and other pass figures appear on the staff slide deck (staff clarified slide figures during the hearing). Jeannie, the transit presenter, said agencies that adopted a day pass model saw ridership increase because customers found greater value in unlimited 24‑hour travel than in multiple single‑ride purchases.
“We are proposing to do a fare increase. We actually have not done one in 13 years,” Jeannie told council, noting the system relied on CARES Act and ARPA funds during the pandemic that have since been spent. Transit staff said the system is currently subsidized by the general fund at about $350,000 this year and that a fare adjustment is part of a multi‑pronged plan to stabilize operations.
Staff proposed an implementation date of Oct. 1 to align the change with the fiscal year and to allow time for required public‑notice procedures under Federal Transit Administration rules. Officials said they will hold two additional public comment sessions at the transit center (proposed July 17 and Aug. 12, both 5–7 p.m.) and planned at least two formal hearings as required; the council heard one public hearing and closed it on June 17 with no public speakers for this item.
Staff also explained how the $3.50 day pass would function on fare readers: the pass does not activate until the rider first swipes it, meaning a pass purchased in advance would begin its 24‑hour validity period at first use. The proposal also contemplates new payment patterns (stored value, app purchases and monthly passes) and staff said they will meet with local nonprofits and service organizations to ensure the changes do not disrupt existing social‑service transportation arrangements.
The item was for discussion; no council vote was required at the public hearing. Staff will take public comment at the July and August sessions, refine the proposal as needed and return to council with a recommended ordinance and effective date in time for an Oct. 1 start if council approves.
