January 13, 2012

February & March 2012 Public Outreach Set
For Public Comment on a proposed
5% Golden Gate Ferry CLIPPER FARE INCREASE

On January 13, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized the setting of a public hearing and additional public outreach on a proposal to increase the Golden Gate Ferry Clipper fare by 5% this July 1, and by 5% each July 1 through July 1, 2015. It is estimated that this proposal will generate about $2 million over the next four years.

Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District’s Financial Status
The current Five-Year projected shortfall is $87 million due to reduced revenues due to less riders due to recession, lost state funding, and a $75 million commitment to the vital Doyle Drive reconstruction project. The 2009 Financial Plan has 33 initiatives to reduce costs or generate new revenue. This fare increase proposal is included. Of the 33, 25 are implemented or underway and have assisted in reducing the 5-year shortfall from $132 million to $87 million. Examples of initiatives implemented or underway include ticket vending machines at ferry terminals that replaced staff, setting of a $3 carpool toll, transit customer call center staff reductions with switch to technology, AET conversion that will result in no more toll collectors.

To Comment: (the comment period is now closed)

• Online Comment Form
• Email to publichearing@goldengate.org
• Send written comments to District Secretary, P.O. Box 9000, Presidio Station, San Francisco, CA 94129
• Attend one of the meetings listed below

Public Workshops/Open Houses (read Open House materials)

• Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 4 to 6 pm: San Francisco Ferry Terminal
• Thursday, February 9, 2012, 6:15 am to 8:30 am: Larkspur Ferry Terminal
• Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 5 to 7 pm: San Francisco Ferry Terminal

Public Hearing

• Thursday, March 22, 2012, at 9:30 am, Board Room, Administration Building, Golden Gate Bridge

The matter will come back to the board in April 2012 for a final decision prior any implementation decision.

Additional Background on Past Fare Increases

January 1, 2011, 10% increase in Golden Gate Ferry Clipper fares. July 1, 2011, under Five-Year Fare Increase Program, Golden Gate Transit Bus fares increased by 5% but in light of the January 2011 ferry fare increase, Ferry Clipper fares were specifically not increased. August 1, 2011, Golden Gate Ferry cash fare increased - 5% for Larkspur and $1 at Sausalito.