Ferry Fares Rising for Marin Commuters

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - A key committee of the Golden Gate Bridge District has given the green light to a plan that calls for fare increases and service reductions on its ferry system in hopes of reducing the agency's multi-million dollar budget deficit.
The committee decided to add 10 percent to the price of a Clipper Card, and cut five weekday ferry runs during the winter months. Originally the staff proposed adding 30 percent to the cost of a Clipper Card, but there was such angry response from passengers that the proposal was revised.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

"The ridership is lighter in the wintertime, primarily due to our seasonal conditions here in the Bay Area, with the rain," said Golden Gate Bridge District Spokeswoman Mary Curie. "I don't know exactly where people are going, but I think they get into their cars. Or perhaps they telecommute when we have those horrible storms that are good for the watershed, but tough to commute in."

The changes will take effect January 1st. The full board is expected to approve the hike on Friday.

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