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Proposed Cost Increase of Flamingo Smartcard for TheBus
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Transit Division is proposing to increase the cost of the Flamingo Smartcard from $2.50 to $3.00 to be consistent with the regional participants. The Board previously authorized staff to conduct a 30-day public comment period per Fare Modification Policy (MT#005). To date, staff has not received any negative comment concerning the Smartcard cost increase.
As part of the Regional Fare Collection process, riders have the ability to purchase reloadable cards known as the Flamingo Smartcard. These cards are purchased by the regional participants: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART), Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and Hernando County Transit (TheBus). In 2018 the Board adopted a fare structure for the Regional Fare Collection program which included a $2.50 charge for the Flamingo Smartcard. There are no other changes proposed to the fare structure at this time.
Pending the Board’s final approval, it is anticipated that the $3.00 cost for the Flamingo Smartcard would be implemented effective August 1, 2022. In addition, TheBus will no longer accept paper passes and tokens at that time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None at this time.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority per Chapter 125 Florida Statutes to approve the proposed cost increase.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve the proposed cost increase of the Smartcard from $2.50 to $3.00 and authorize implementation to be consistent with the region.