THE OFF-PEAK TICKET INCENTIVE DEMONSTRATION IN SPOKANE, WA

The City of Spokane began a ticket incentive program in August 1981 as a means of increasing transit ridership during off-peak hours. Each time passengers boarded a bus, they could dispense a ticket which could be exchanged for discounts on goods and services at participating merchants. Discounted specials were advertised in a monthly discount booklet. The program ran for three years beginning in the downtown and expanding to suburban areas. Program hours also eventually expanded beyond the midday. A total of 247 merchants, who had the option of entering and exiting the program each month, participated. Passengers redeemed an average of 7900 tickets for good and services each month. Ridership in the midday increased by 5-12%; however, the possibility of causes other than the Mid-Day Rider Program cannot be ruled out. After May 1983, merchants had to pay for advertising space in the discount booklet. The program was unable to generate sufficient revenues from merchant contracts to run independently and the program was closed July 31, 1984.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Crain and Associates, Incorporated

    343 Second Street
    Los Altos, CA  United States  94022

    Urban Mass Transportation Administration

    Office of Management Research and Transit Service
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Flynn, S
  • Publication Date: 1985-5

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
  • Pagination: 214 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00451503
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: UMTA-WA-06-0018-85-1Final Rpt., DOT-TSC-UMTA-85-12
  • Contract Numbers: DOT-TSC-1755
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Nov 30 1985 12:00AM