Fares for the city’s Jump Around Carson public transportation system will increase come October — after being free during the pandemic — but users will have a digital upgrade that includes a new mobile app and free Wi-Fi. The regular adult fare is going from a $1 to $1.50. The fare for seniors (60 and older), youth (5-18), disabled riders, and military personnel will now be $.75. The standard monthly pass will be $40, and the reduced monthly pass $20. Children 4 and younger will still be free, and seniors are still eligible for the free bus pass offered through the senior center. Alex Cruz, transit coordinator, said staff worked hard to cover rising costs while not putting a financial burden on users. “We looked at different options,” he said, “and raising it to $1.50 made the most sense.” The eight vehicles in the four-route system will come with new benefits, starting in October as well. On Aug. 10, the Regional Transportation Commission unanimously approved a contract with TransLoc Inc., that will equip the vehicles with state-of-the-art tracking and counting systems. The contract is not to exceed $103,332 for three years and is covered by federal grant funds. For riders, the change will come with new web features and a mobile application that together enable real-time tracking with 3- to 5-second update rates, time predictions, and rider alerts and announcements, plus free Wi-Fi for passengers. “We want to make sure we’re providing good service to our riders,” Cruz said. For information about JAC, click here.
