Metro Transit fare increases go into effect Oct. 1.

Local off-peak fares will rise from $1.75 to $2 and local peak fares will rise from $2.25 to $2.50. Express service will increase from $2.25 to $2.50 during off-peak periods and from $3 to $3.25 during rush hours. Seniors and youth will also pay 25 cents more at all times.

The Metropolitan Council approved the fare increases in July with the hope of shrinking a $110 million budget deficit expected by fiscal 2020-2021. It was the first fare increase since 2008.

Monthly passes will also go up. The all-you-can-ride Metropass, for example, will rise from $76 a month to $83.

Those using stored-value cards have asked if they will lose their 10 percent bonus when refilling their card. Riders who spent $20 got $22 in value, for example. Yes, that deal goes away, but amounts added before Saturday will qualify for the bonus.

Tim Harlow