COTA announces updated fare structure to support service expansion

The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority under the Office of the Governor, is announcing an important update to its fare structure, effective Jan. 1, 2025. This marks the first fare increase since the program’s inception in 2013, and it is a crucial step in supporting the expansion of our public transit services.

While COTA is federally funded, it is important to note that we cannot solely depend on federal funding to meet the growing needs of our communities. Federal grants help maintain our existing operations, but they do not provide enough resources to enable expansion, especially in response to the increasing demand for transit services. As grantees of the federal program, we are allowed to charge a fare, and the revenue generated from these fares plays a vital role in the sustainability and growth of our transit system.

The decision to adjust fares comes in light of several critical factors, including:

Rising operational costs, particularly the significant increase in fuel prices and maintenance expenses, have placed additional pressure on our budget.

The need for continued service expansion, including new routes to improve accessibility to underserved areas and ensure our system keeps pace with population growth.

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program, as the funding provided by the federal government does not adequately support expansion efforts or the rising costs of running the system.

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the following updated fares will apply:

TransitCNMI: Fixed Route Service

General public: $2 per trip

Discounted: $1 per trip

CALL-A-RIDE-SAIPAN (CARS): Demand Responsive Shared Ride Service (curb-to-curb, reservation-based)

General public: $7 per trip

Discounted: $5 per trip

Discounted: Senior Citizens, Students, Persons with disabilities, Active Military, Veterans, and their families (must present valid ID).

‘Driving You Forward’

With this fare increase, COTA will be able to:

Expand and improve service, adding new routes to enhance connectivity across the Commonwealth.

Ensure sustainability by funding to maintain and upgrade our fleet, facilities, and infrastructure.

Improve the overall experience for our riders, with more frequent service, cleaner buses, and a more reliable transit network.

Additionally, COTA would like to inform riders that any existing passes or tickets purchased before Jan. 1, 2025, will expire on March 31, 2025. Passholders or ticketholders are encouraged to take note of this expiration date and plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

COTA understands that fare increases can be concerning, but this is a necessary step to ensure that COTA remains a sustainable and responsive public transportation option for all residents. By investing in the CNMI’s transit system today, COTA is working toward a future where COTA can continue to grow, adapt, and serve our communities for years to come.

“We deeply appreciate the ongoing support and understanding of our riders, Disability Network Partners, and the community as we continue our efforts to provide safe, efficient, and affordable public transportation. Together, we can create a more connected and vibrant Commonwealth.

For more information on the updated fares and pass expiration dates, visit COTA’s website at transit.cnmi.gov. You can also follow COTA on Facebook and Instagram at @TransitCNMI or contact the One-Call/One-Click Transportation Information Resource Center at (670) 236-2682.

COTA is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation to the Commonwealth’s residents and visitors. Since 2013, we have been committed to serving our communities with high-quality transit services and continuing to work toward a more connected and sustainable future. (PR)