Indigo holds public hearing on proposed fare increase; riders and disability advocates urge changes

Indigo Board of Directors convened a public hearing June 18 on a proposed update to the agency’s fare policy that would raise the fixed-route base fare from $1.75 to $2.75, increase related daily and weekly caps, and adjust paratransit (Indigo Access) fares tied to the base rate. The hearing was a listening session only; the board did not vote. Public comment and written input will be accepted through the outreach period ahead of a scheduled board vote on Aug. 21, 2025.

Indigo President and CEO Jennifer Pierce summarized the proposal and the analysis behind it, saying the agency has not raised its base local fixed-route fare since 2009 and that operating costs per vehicle revenue hour have risen substantially. Pierce said matching the 2009 purchasing power of $1.75 would require a $2.61 fare today; the board is hearing a proposal to set the base fare at $2.75, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Under the proposal the half fare would rise from 85¢ to $1.35; the daily cap would increase from $4 to $6 and the weekly cap from $15.75 to $24.75. Pierce said staff also proposes retiring several pass types (including 10-trip, 31-day and summer youth passes) and…