Spring 2009 Service Changes FAQs
New Route Descriptions | FAQ's
Service Change FAQs
- Would using smaller buses save money?
There are peak periods of the day when students or commuters ride the bus and the capacity of the large buses is required. It would be a logistical nightmare, as well as costly to switch out equipment. The majority of cost associated with the service is the driver’s wages and benefits, and this would not change with a smaller bus.
- Would paying a higher fare prevent WestCAT from having to cut service on my route?
Fare revenue now covers 20% of the operating costs. Fares would have to be raised so high that most people wouldn’t ride.
- Why does WestCAT have a budget problem?
WestCAT cannot maintain its current service levels through the end of the year without significant action to lower operating costs and/or raise its revenues. This is the direct result of the withdrawal of State funding originally dedicated to support public transportation (and twice protected by ballot initiatives). Actions already approved by the Governor and State Legislature have taken more than $350,000 in State Transit Assistance (STA) directly from the FY09 WestCAT budget. More importantly, these actions threaten more than $2.1 Million in support WestCAT receives annually from BART for operation of express bus services. The Governor has proposed and the Legislature is now considering more cuts to public transportation funding that are likely to worsen WestCAT’s financial situation.
- Can I still use my out of print WestCAT tickets on the bus?
Yes, currently WestCAT is still accepting all previously purchased discount tickets without any additional fare (one ticket still equals one ride). The only exception is the expired $1.25 general public local/express blue and green tickets that were printed with the red expiration date of 9/30/08 on the back. Eventually all WestCAT local, express, and Lynx tickets will be recalled and customers will be able to trade them for a stored value card.
- How do I make sure that my comments are heard by WestCAT’s Board of Directors?
Comments submitted through the public hearing process will be summarized in general terms and presented by staff to the Board of Directors. These comments will be recorded and made a part of the public record during the formal public hearing. The public is always welcome to attend the WestCAT Board of Directors meetings and make comments there.
-
When will the Board of Directors decide on the Spring service changes and fare increase?
New WestCAT schedules will be introduced soon to coincide with the opening of the new Hercules Transit Center on Willow Avenue. In terms of implementation of the schedule changes, weather has caused some minor delays on the construction and opening, but we are currently anticipating being able to begin operation of the new schedule around mid April. There are no plans to raise fares with this new schedule. The goal of the changes is to keep as much service on the street as possible while achieving a sustainable level of service.
- The bus stop sign at my stop is missing or damaged. Who should I call?
Please call our Administration Office at 724-3331. They will log any problems and disperse the information to the appropriate personnel.
- I would like a new bus stop or shelter put in. Who should I call?
If there is a problem with the existing bus stop or shelter please call our Administration Office at 724-3331. If this is a new stop or shelter, then it must be approved by the city or jurisdiction where it is located.
- I want to advertise on WestCAT buses.
The exterior and interior advertising on our buses is handled by Lamar Advertising. For information about bus ads on WestCAT, email sstilwell@lamar.com.
- Can I use my Lynx stored value pass on any of WestCAT’s routes?
No. Currently the Lynx stored value pass can only be accepted on Lynx buses. When taking another WestCAT route to transfer to a Lynx the full cash fare must be paid upon boarding and then a transfer may be requested. With the valid transfer, an additional $3.25 must be paid on the Lynx for the outbound trip ($1.25 for Senior/Disabled customers). Currently, this amount cannot be deducted from the stored value card on the local or express buses. Therefore, a cash fare is still required for the outbound trip. However, on the return trip a Lynx customer who has used his/her stored value pass may request a transfer to a local/express route at no additional charge. Eventually, all of WestCAT’s routes will have the capability of accepting stored value cards, but the equipment is currently not available due to funding constraints.
- Can I pre-purchase Day Passes?
No and Yes. WestCAT will only pre-sell Day Passes directly out of the WestCAT Administration Office to schools preparing for field trips with more than 10 students attending the trip and for no more than 2-weeks in advance. Individuals wishing to purchase Day Passes must still do so from the driver on the day of travel only.
If you would like to submit a question, please email it to info@westcat.org
Return to: 2009 Service Changes - Welcome Page |
