LITTLE ROCK — A ticket to ride the River Rail streetcars will double in cost from 50 cents to $1 in March to bring fares more in line with other cities if CATA's board of directors agrees with the change.
The Central Arkansas Transit Authority oversees the 3.4 miles of streetcar lines in downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock that this spring extended to the Clinton presidential library and Heifer International east of Interstate 30.
CATA's board of directors will take up the fare increase when it meets at noon today.
The recommendation for the fare increase came from Betty Wineland, CATA's executive director.
Wineland said it is expected to produce only a slight increase in fare revenue, but would keep riders from having to fumble for change.
Currently, River Rail charges 50 cent for riders age 5 years and older. Rides are free for below age 5. Under the proposed increase, fares would remain at 50 cents for ages up to 11 yearsand free for those under age 5. The $2 charge for an all-day pass won't change.
Those ages 65 and older or with disabilities pay half-fare. Under the existing fare structure, that amounts to 25 cents, which would rise to 50 cents if the fare plan is approved.
If approved, the changes wouldn't take effect until March 3 to allow time for reprinting fares in ads and on signs at streetcar stops, she said.
"I don't project a huge [revenue] increase," Wineland said Monday. "My understanding from some of our operators that most people pay $1 now becausethey don't have change."
River Rail has averaged $5,216 monthly this year through September. A CATA budget report for the first nine months of the year said River Rail fares totaled $46,948 - a figure below a revenue estimate of $61,193.
Most cities charge at least $1 for a one-way trip, Wineland said, while River Rail's riders can ride the entire route for the basic fare if they don't get off the streetcar. Tampa streetcars charge $2, and tickets cost $1 in Memphis.
"I would like us to be more in line with what other communities are charging," she said."Most of the people from outof-town are amazed that's all we charge."
The $29 million River Rail is at its busiest during conventions or large events downtown and often draws criticism for low ridership among local residents.
The streetcars have averaged 12,035 passengers monthly in 2007 through September, according to CATA's figures.
"It is primarily used by tourists as it now exists," Wineland said. "As more people move downtown in Little Rock and North Little Rock I think there will be more locals riding."
Several riders who were asked Monday about the proposed increase said they wouldn't object to paying more.
"I don't think that's unreasonable," said Ted Childers of Davenport, Iowa, who was visiting Little Rock with his wife, Dee, to see the Clinton presidential library. "With today's prices, that doesn't seem unreasonable."
"It's a 45-minute ride [for the entire route]," said Dee Childers, who pointed to her Hillary Clinton for President button. "It takes you around the area. That [increase] wouldn't be unreasonable, especially on a rainy day like today."
Jon and Eva Minshall of Gravel Ridge took Luisa Reyna, 11, for a streetcar ride on their day off after meaning to do it for some time, they said.
"[Paying $1] would be worth it," Jon Minshall said after riding the entire loop. "I actually put another $1 in after we were on it. For me personally, I loved it."
Eva Minshall said she would pay $1 and twice that if River Rail extends to the Little Rock National Airport, Adams Field, as has been proposed.
"Going to the airport would be worth $2," she said. "I'd be fine with $1 local and $2 to the airport."
Arkansas, Pages 9, 13 on 10/23/2007