Metro votes to raise bus, train fares

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted to increase bus and rail fares by 25 cents beginning in September, but agreed to temporarily hold off on additional increases that had been proposed for 2017 and 2020.

The base fare for Metro buses and trains will increase from $1.50 to $1.75 in September under the 12-1 vote, but passengers will be given two hours of free transfers. Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina was the lone dissenter.

The vote came after an hours-long public hearing that included comments from more than 100 people, mostly in opposition to the fare increase.

The proposal originally called for fares to increase to $2 in 2017 and $2.25 in 2020, but the board agreed to delay a decision on those hikes pending further review.

Day pass fares will rise from $5 to $7 in September. Weekly passes, now $20, would go up to $25 by the fall, and monthly passes will rise from $75 to $100.

Metro officials said the fare hikes are needed to erase a projected $36.8 million budget shortfall projected for 2016. The agency predicted the deficit could rise to $225 million over the next decade.

Metro rider Tamara Leg said she's against the fare hikes.

"That's my main mode of transportation. It hurts. It really does," Leg said.

Metro officials said Los Angeles fares are among the lowest in the country, and that the department needs the additional money to cover a $36.8 million operating deficit expected in two years. That deficit is projected to increase to $225 million in a decade.

Fare revenue covers only about 26 percent of operation expenses, Metro said.

Metro officials said many riders would still likely benefit from the new fare structure thanks to the inclusion of free transfers lasting for two hours. Riders currently pay a separate fare each time they board a different bus or train.

City News Service contributed to this report.