Transit Operations Fee - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the fee?

The fee is a monthly charge to City of Corvallis utility customers that supports Corvallis Transit System (CTS) operations. Implemented in 2011, money raised from this fee is dedicated to CTS and cannot be used for any other purpose. This revenue replaces property tax funds that previously supported transit operations. A portion of the fee also replaced transit fares, allowing people to ride any CTS bus without paying a fare.

Who pays the fee?

Corvallis utility customers—residences, businesses, and industry—on the monthly City Services bill.

How much is the fee?

The amount varies depending on whether the account holder is a single or multi-unit residential, commercial, or industrial customer. For commercial and industrial customers, the amount is based on the type of use, and as a result, is different for each one. More information about how the fee is determined for different uses is explained in the next question and answer below. The current rate used to determine the fee for each account is shown at: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/finance/page/city-service-fee-rates

How is it determined?

The monthly fee charged to each utility account is determined by multiplying the rates linked in the question above times the number of estimated vehicle “trips” produced by the property.   A “trip” is the one-way travel from a starting point to a destination. For example, going to work in the morning is one trip and coming home at night is a second trip. Trips are estimated based on a property’s land use type and the trip generation methodology produced and published by the Institute of Traffic Engineers.

Will the fee go up in the future?

The fee amount is periodically reviewed by Council and may be changed by resolution. Fee increases may occur due to inflationary increases in operational costs and/or increased investment goals such as expanded transit service.

Why is the fee on my water bill?

Corvallis Transit System is owned and operated by the City of Corvallis. By putting the charges for multiple City services on one bill, the city can reduce the administrative costs of processing and printing invoices over what it would cost to have each charge on a separate bill.

How much revenue will the fee generate?

The fee generated approximately $1.4 million in 2025.

Can I ride the Corvallis bus for free?

Yes, all CTS riders can get on the bus without paying a fare.

Do I have to be a Corvallis resident to ride for free?

No, anyone can get on a CTS bus without paying a fare.

How long is the free transit service going to last?

There is no end date at this time.

If I don’t have to pay to ride, who is paying to provide the service?

Funding for CTS comes from several sources: Federal grants, the Transit Operations

Fee, the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund, and a direct contribution from Oregon State University. Federal funding provides about half the annual revenue used to operate CTS.

Do I have to pay to ride the Linn-Benton Loop, the Coast-to-Valley Express, and the 99 Express?

Only for the Coast to Valley Express. The 99 Express and Linn-Benton Loop are

fareless.

Since I have to pay to ride the Coast to Valley Express, but not CTS, how will transfers between the systems work?

Transfers from the other bus systems to CTS will be free. If you transfer from CTS

to a fare-based system, you will be required to pay the appropriate fare when you

board that bus.

If I get on CTS, can I transfer to the Philomath Connection for free?

Yes, all rides on the Philomath Connection are fareless.

If I get on the Philomath Connection, can I transfer to CTS for free?

Yes, all rides on CTS are fareless.

Where can I buy a bus pass for the Coast to Valley Express?

Passes for the Coast to Valley Express can be purchased on the “Token Transit” app.

Where can I find more information?

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