In March 2022, the Washington State Legislature passed the Move Ahead Washington transportation funding package. This package provides grant funding to fully replace lost youth fare revenue for transit agencies that adopt fare-free policies for individuals 18 years of age and younger. This ordinance amends Yakima Transit’s fares to allow individuals 18 and under to utilize all Yakima Transit modes of service free of charge and to take advantage of this provision of the Move Ahead Washington package. Currently, youth fares represent 27% of Yakima Transit’s farebox revenues, and roughly 3% of overall revenues. The Move Ahead Washington grant funding will be equal to or greater than lost farebox revenues.
Beginning October 1, 2022, Yakima Transit will offer fare-free service to those ages 18 and under on all forms of Yakima Transit services. These services include, Yakima Transit fixed route bus service, the Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter and the Dial-A-Ride paratransit service (for those qualified to use Dial-A-Ride). Children under 6 will continue to ride Yakima Transit services for free with a fare-paying adult and do not need proof of eligibility.
To utilize the fare-free service, those ages 18 and under will need to carry proof of eligibility in the form of a current school photo ID card, a valid government-issued ID card, a birth certificate or a free Yakima Transit Youth Card, which is preferred. Yakima Transit Youth Cards can be obtained for no charge at the Yakima Transit Center located at S. 4th Street and Walnut or at Public Works located at 2301 Fruitvale Blvd during regular business hours. Proof of eligibility in the form of a birth certificate or a valid government-issued I.D. card must be provided in order to qualify to receive a Yakima Transit Youth Card. A revised and a clean copy of the proposed amendment to the ordinance has been attached for City Council review. |