OCTD Fare Hikes for Senior Citizens

I am chairman of the Orange County Transit District’s 504 Disabled Citizens Advisory Committee and a member of the OCTD’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

I cannot see why the senior citizens are complaining about a fare increase. The OCTD has been in business almost 16 years. Only six months out of the 16 years did the senior citizens have to pay a fare during non-peak hours. The cost of living has almost doubled since the OCTD starting running buses.

This is the first raise since June, 1981, and the cost of living has risen about 30%.

OCTD gets about 78% subsidy money from federal, state, and county funds to help to keep the OCTD in business. I think about 99% of transit riders would be willing to pay the fare raise to keep the OCTD in business.

GARY A. MUDGE

Garden Grove