Transit fares could be raised

Star Tribune

Last update: May 14, 2008 - 11:07 PM

The Metropolitan Council will hold a series of public hearings this summer that could pave the way for higher fares for Twin Cities bus and light rail riders.

Details about the potential fare increase are still being developed, but the Met Council said that without one, the regional transit system will face a $15 million projected shortfall in fiscal year 2009.

The shortfall would be caused primarily by fuel cost increases.

The regional agency sets fares for Metro Transit and several suburban transit operations.

If approved, any fare increase will go into effect on Oct. 1 and would be the first price hike in three years, the agency said.

Public hearing schedule:

MONDAY, JULY 7:

5:30- 6:30 p.m.

Northtown Mall, Community Room 398 Northtown Dr., Blaine

TUESDAY, JULY 8:

6:30-7:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Main Street, Hopkins

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9:

Noon -1 p.m. Minneapolis City Hall, Conference Room 333 350 S. 5th St., Minneapolis

5:30-6:30 p.m. Burnsville City Hall 100 Civic Center Pkwy., Burnsville

THURSDAY, JULY 10:

6:30-7:30 p.m. Maplewood Community Center 2100 White Bear Av., Maplewood

TUESDAY, JULY 15:

Noon-1 p.m. Metropolitan Council offices 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul

TIM HARLOW

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