Mass transit to increase fares

    If approved by the board, increases in fares for the bus and the Trinity Railway Express would go into effect March 3.

   The Mobility Impaired Transportation Service (MITS) would also be affected.

   "The T must meet the rising costs of doing business," Elizabeth Moore, communications manager, said.

   Daily fares will increase by as much as 50 cents, and monthly fares will increase by as much as $10.

   Public hearings were scheduled throughout the service area of the T system and a recorded comment line has also taken riders comments.

   "We have had excellent attendance at the hearings, which is very significant to us," she said.

   The service area includes Fort Worth, Lake Worth, Richland Hills and Blue Mound.

   "All comments are transcribed and given to the board," Moore said.

   Moore said that most comments on the recorded line have been in opposition to the fare increase.

   The TRE, the T and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit have a policy of same fares and tickets that are recognized by both systems.

   Time will tell if we are able to meet costs," Moore said.

   The last fare increase for mass transit was implemented in October 1999.

   TCC students and faculty who ride the number 3 bus that goes directly to the South Campus will be affected.

   Moore said that the T has a tight budget, and that budget has been addressed in many ways.

   A fare increase is just one of the possible solutions to increasing needed funds, Moore said.

   "There is only so much belt tightening we can do," she said. "We will not completely meet the deficit by raising costs."

   If purchased in Fort Worth, fares will increase from $1 to $1.25 for the local fare and from $2 to $2.25 for the premium fare.

   The local day pass will increase from $2 to $2.50 and from $4 to $4.50 for the premium day pass, which will enable the rider to travel across both Tarrant and Dallas counties.

   The MITS fare will increase from $2 to $2.50, and monthly local fares will go up by $10.

   As well, the reduced monthly pass will go up to $15, an increase of $5.

   Older adults, students and people with a disability that does not require MITS assistance are eligible to use the reduced fare pass, Moore said.

   "Most comments within the disability community have been against the increase," Moore said.

   Students can state their views on the recorded comment line at 817-215-8669.