The cost to ride Tri Delta Transit buses will not increase in July as scheduled. Thanks to the gas tax swap package recently signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger, Tri Delta Transit will be able to continue operating into 2011 with fares at the current rate.

“We’ve been exploring every option and taking all measures possible to maintain fares since the economic crisis began and cuts to transit funding were imposed,” said Tri Delta Transit CEO Jeanne Krieg. “The governor’s recent decision, along with our internal changes and cutbacks, seem to be the right combination to allow us to maintain current fares.”

The bill package signed by the governor eliminates the sales tax on gasoline, increases the rate of sales tax on diesel fuel and makes immediate appropriation of $400 million to transit operations statewide. While Tri Delta Transit will receive only a small portion of this allocation, the funds will be sufficient to allow Tri Delta to continue operating at current fares.

The money from the state will not solve all of transit’s problems. “Challenges still lie ahead for the industry,” said Krieg. “We feel confident in our ability to navigate our local agency through difficult times as well as times of prosperity.”

Since its inception in 1977, Tri Delta Transit’s fares have been among the lowest in the Bay Area. “When fares increased back in 2006, we offset the increase by offering more value with unlimited ride passes sold at a discounted rate,” said Krieg.

Current fares for Tri Delta Transit are as follows:

• Single ride fare on local fixed routes: $1.75 for the general public; 75 cents for seniors and disabled persons.

• Unlimited ride day pass (valid on local buses and Express Route 300): $3 for the general public; $1.25 for seniors and disabled persons.

• Single ride fare Express Route 300: $2.50 for the general public; $1.25 for seniors and disabled persons.

• Unlimited Ride Monthly Pass (valid on local buses and Express Route 300): $50.

Tri Delta Transit operates 14 weekday bus routes, including Express Route 300 to BART, Commuter Route 390 to BART, Route 200 to Martinez, Route 201 to Concord as well as three weekend routes and Delta Express luxury commuter service to Dublin BART and Hacienda Business Park in Pleasanton. To learn which bus best meets your needs, or to apply for a 2 for 1 bus pass, visit www.trideltatransit.com or call 925-754-6622.