Yamhill County weighs hybrid transit fare plan; asks for revenue modeling before public outreach

Yamhill County commissioners spent the work session portion of their May 8 meeting discussing a proposed return to paid transit fares and a hybrid fare structure designed to balance rider access with revenue generation.

County transit staff and outside consultants presented a proposal that would reintroduce fares after the COVID-era fareless policy and roll out a mix of single-ride, day-rate and monthly options, plus partnership passes and targeted discounts for low-income and ADA riders. Cynthia, a county transit staff member leading the project, told the board, "we want to approve a new fair structure for public review, and we want to know what information you need from the public to help you make your decision." (Transcript: 383.18–394.35)

The proposal the technical advisory committee recommended is a hybrid of two higher-tier options and would include separate local and out-of-county pricing. Under the outline presented by consultant Patricia Fink, a local in‑county weekday flat day ticket would cost $4 and a one-way local trip $2; an out‑of‑county weekday flat day ticket would cost $10 and a one‑way $5. The committee also recommended discounted monthly passes for frequent riders (a $20 local monthly pass and a $75 out‑of‑county monthly pass),…