The need to abolish two-zone passes and / or rehaul the fare system

TriMet’s fare system is in need of a rehaul.  The need to change the fare system or even rehaul the zone structure (or get rid of it completely) is only intensified with the new Green Line launch that happened this month.  I’ll do my best to explain.

First, I need to thank a reader who I had some back and forth with; this individual brought this back into my attention and I thank this reader for sharing some insights, of which I’ll be using in this post.

The Zone System is Flawed

Here’s a map provided by TriMet to explain how the zones are laid out:

Looks simple enough… but is it really that simple?

An example: all train stops east of SE 82nd are in Zone 3 — even though the Green Line from Division to Foster runs within sight of Zone 2. And unlike the bus, there’s still no way for a MAX rider with a monthly two-zone pass to buy an upgrade ticket.  Furthermore, though all stops east of SE 82nd are Zone 3, on the east side there are no “paid” stops in Zone 1 — unless you count the stops in Fareless Square.

Confused yet?

Here’s a look at the rail zone map (click for bigger image):

Say you own a Two-Zone monthly pass.  If you’re traveling west on the red or blue line, that two-zone pass isn’t doing anything for you.  So you’ll need to purchase a fare upgrade for this.

Fare Upgrades for Two-Zone Pass Holders is Ridiculous

If you own a two-zone monthly pass and need to upgrade to an all-zone pass for the day if you’re riding the MAX west, you’re going to have a hell of a time doing so.  If you’re hopping on the bus, purchasing an upgrade to an all-zone day pass is as easy as $0.30. If you’re riding the MAX, you might think that a ticket machine has an upgrade option for you to purchase.

Nope.

TriMet’s advice if you’re a rail rider and you want to upgrade to an all-zone pass?  Buy the upgrade on a bus.

Does that sound at all reasonable?

Possible Solutions

First, keep in mind that any change to the zone and / or fare system will impact revenue.  The question is whether or not it would impact it in TriMet’s favor.  If it decreases overall revenue for TriMet, for whatever reason, you need to think of side-effects that come about from making any sort of change:

1. A more-friendly image of TriMet. Riders won’t be as confused. The ticket buying process will be easier to understand. Riders will understand how much a single two-hour or all-day ticket costs without having to think about zones.
2. This also helps bus operators by not requiring them to look whether or not the transfer receipt is an all-zone or two-zone pass.  This can also help in terms of keeping buses on schedule by reducing the time it takes for riders to have to show fare, bus operators having to inspect said fare, etc.
3. This helps ticket inspectors too. Easy “does the individual have the fare or not?” checks.

Get Rid of the Zone System

The first possible solution is just to get rid of the zone system.  I could see some protests from those who might be riding from Zone 2 who only require a two-zone pass.  But look at it this way: currently, a two-zone two-hour pass is $2.00. An all-zone two-hour pass is $2.30.  This is a difference of $0.30.  Say TriMet was generous, got rid of the zones, and just required $2.15 for a two-hour pass for all zones.  This isn’t a huge hike in price, is it?

Get Rid of the Two-Zone Daily / Monthly Pass

You can buy a two-zone monthly pass… but, when purchasing a day pass, you can only purchase an all-zone pass.  The upgrade system if you hold a two-zone pass to an all-zone daily pass is ridiculous and requires you to buy an upgrade on a bus if you’re riding the rail.  Why does the two-zone pass exist?  And if it’s truly important for it to exist, why not give riders an easier way to upgrade to an all-zone pass for the day?

Should there be hand sanitizer on MAX?

I haven’t personally bought into the hype that the swine flu* is going to be anything particularly nasty this flu season.  That being said, a lot of folks have… and I think that’s actually a good thing because it means individuals are most likely keeping up with covering coughs, washing hands, etc.

KGW recently ran a story about whether or not hand sanitizer helps stop the spread of the H1N1 virus.  I was originally thinking, “Well, it’s technically a virus and not a form of bacteria… so hand sanitizer probably wouldn’t be super effective.“  But KGW says it does help!

That got me thinking: the best way to help reduce your chance or perhaps getting the H1N1 virus is staying away from crowded, close-proximity places. Unfortunately, for us public transportation riders, it’s kind of hard to stay away from crowded MAX trains, buses, etc.

So here’s an idea: how about placing some hand sanitizer on MAX trains for folks to use?  I know that I personally dread touching, well, anything on the MAX when I ride. And I’m not saying the cleaning folks aren’t doing their job; I’m sure they do an awesome job. But the sheer amount of people that ride, that wipe noses and hold on to the rail, that sneez… ok, you get my point.

What do you all think?  If there was perhaps some hand sanitizer on the MAX, maybe by the door, would you perhaps take a couple of pumps and use it?  Do you think it would be a good idea to provide folks this?  Would you feel perhaps a little bit cleaner if this was provided?

*I’m personally not a fan of media outlets using the term “swine flu” instead of H1N1 virus; the USDA even asked folks to not refer to it as such
Image is from The Heartland Perspective blog

Finally rode on the green line…

… and it was mighty fine.

Went from Gateway to Clackamas Mall to shop and dine.

At each station stop I enjoyed the cool little glittery-tile design.

Almost didn’t catch the train right as it was leaving the station on the way home; if I didn’t, I would whine. (30 mins  between trains on the weekend)

Seriously though, finally rode that puppy with Mrs. TriMetiquette and it was just fine.  My wife and I always like to look at the glass designs at each MAX stop when we’re riding; they’re usually different from stop-to-stop but it seemed like they’re the same at each green line stop.

Quick and easy trip to the Clackamas Mall!

Ridership down in August 2009

Lower gas prices? The recession? Unemployment? More biking (personally, I’ve been biking a lot this summer to work)? In any case, TriMet ridership was down 4.4% overall in August 2009 compared to August 2008.

A breakdown:

• Bus weekly trips down 11.4% (whoa nilly)
• MAX weekly trips up 9.2%
• WES weekly trips were at 5,900 (yikes)

So continues the extremely poor ridership of the WES…

How are we all liking the new Portland Transit Mall?

With the big changes to 5th and 6th avenue downtown, the new Portland Transit Mall is close to what it’s going to be like at usual capacity with the Green MAX Line running on September 12 (now that we’re seeing test runs for the Green Line).

How is everyone liking the set-up?