Metro Transit fare hike approved [8.11]

Transit riders get ready, as another fare increase may be headed your way.

Metro Transit is looking at raising fares for the second time in just six months, by upping the cost by 50 cents.

Facing a $45 to $60 million deficit for the next two years, the Metropolitan Council said it's forced to do something. Raising prices or service cuts are among the possibilities a Senate panel heard Wednesday night.

"It is my hope though I can't say a firm commitment at this point not to raise increases," said Met Council Chair Peter Bell.

Citing high gas prices rates went up a 25 cents last October to $2.25 for rush hour and $1.75 during all other times.

Now fares would go up to $2.75 and $2.25.

After getting laid off a year ago, Yolanda Turner told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS even 50 cents may be too much to handle.

"I'm barely eating as it is, I’m barely feeding my kids, and I’m going to the food shelves just to make ends meet. It wouldn't be a good thing," she said.

Other riders can't understand how Metro Transit could carry a record 85 million riders last year and still be in trouble.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak fears if rates go up too much, people will stop using public transportation.

"The worst thing we can do is drive people away from the system we need," Rybak said.

Metro Transit receives a third of its funding from a motor vehicle tax—so until more cars are sold, transit will suffer.

The Met Council has not said when they’ll make a decision on the possible fare increase.