Bill > S1655

This bill aims to create a more equitable public transit fare structure by establishing new fare limitations and programs. It mandates that fares for children aged 5-19, seniors 65 and older, and individuals with disabilities must not exceed 35% of the regular adult cash fare, and these discounted fares must include free transfer privileges. Additionally, the bill restricts fare increases to no more than once every two years, with any increase capped by the percentage change in average wages as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bill also introduces tiered fare structures for paratransit services based on income, with lower-income individuals paying significantly less than twice the regular adult fare. Furthermore, it establishes a mandatory Universal University Pass Program (U-Pass) for full-time college students within one mile of transit service, requiring universities to pay a set semester fare for unlimited rides, and a voluntary Universal Employer Pass Program (E-Pass) for large employers to offer unlimited transit rides to their employees, with negotiated fares designed to avoid revenue loss for transit authorities. Finally, the bill mandates the creation of discount programs for low-income residents and a two-year pilot program for a discounted youth pass for individuals aged 12-21 to assess its feasibility and potential benefits.