Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) rolled out several fare reductions and a new commuter pass this week. 

As of Monday, BATA is offering half-off reduced fare pricing to all veterans and active military members. Military veterans and members can receive the discount by showing a valid military ID or applying for a BATA reduced fare card at BATA's Hall Street transfer station. Reduced fares start as low as 75 cents to $1.50 for one-way rides.

Also starting this week, children age five and younger can use any BATA service for free when traveling with a fare-paying adult. The program is in addition to BATA's offer of reduced half-priced fares for students traveling with a valid student ID or BATA reduced fare card.

Finally, BATA will beging piloting a monthly commuter pass valid on all BATA fixed City Loop and Village Loop routes beginning in November. The commuter pass will cost $35 and is good for unlimited Loop use for 31 days from the first time it is used on a BATA bus. A reduced fare option is available for those who qualify for $17.50. The commuter pass pricing is available to anyone and "offers cost savings for frequent riders and provides a cheaper alternative than paying for parking in local surface lots or parking decks," according to BATA.
 
“All of these fare enhancements are designed to make using public transportation easier and more affordable,” says BATA Executive Director Kelly Dunham. “We’ve been hearing from the community that they want public transit to be an affordable solution to deal with parking and traffic issues in our region, and making it less expensive for veterans, families and commuters to ride is a step in the right direction."