Changes are on the horizon for the Transportation Alternatives Program, according to James Wagner, TAP manager.

The rising cost of riding MTD buses is causing TAP to end its limited, free bus passes for members. Under a new arrangement, as of July 1 the average TAP rider will enjoy 30 days of unlimited access to MTD buses for $20 a month, half the going rate, he says.

Seniors (62 years and over) and the disabled would pay only $9 for the 30-day passes.

Another change will be widened access to the two hybrid vehicles in the Carshare element of TAP. Previously, only TAP members could reserve the Toyota Prius passenger cars. Details are now being worked out on a proposal to the vendor to allow anyone, employee or student, with a clean driving record to pay around $5.50 an hour to reserve a vehicle.

Behind these changes, Wagner says, are rising costs and a limited TAP budget. Currently, TAP is funded solely from parking fines and forfeitures. A new fund for public donations and grants, which will soon be established with its own Web site, is hoped to provide a future source of revenue.

In the meantime, Wagner is preparing for the annual Bike to Work Day, which will be held on May 16 this year from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the east bluffs overlooking the beach. Go to <http://sbbike.org/BW/bw.html> for details.