Cap Metro approves fare hike

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Capitol Metro's board of directors voted in  favor of fare hikes , which the agency said are necessary in order to make up for the budget shortfall due to lower sales tax revenues. They exempted the disabled and elderly from hikes in their fares, despite opposition from board member John Cowman.

"We're not a social services company," said Cowman. "We're a transit company."

However, the board decided it could make up for the free fare through the other fare increases and a few hundred thousand dollars in stimulus money. The increases are expected to bring in $2.1 million, which will cover most of the budget shortfall. The board will have to use about $300,000 to make up the difference.

"People right now are making life and death decisions about what to pay," said Richard Troxell, who is against the fare increases. "Whether to pay for their medication or whether to go to the doctor and whatnot..and they are going to have some adverse effects."

Cap Metro last changed fares in 2008 and that was the first time since its inception in 1985. The agency said that is part of the reason why fare increases are necessary again.

The increased fares will take effect starting January 18th, if CAMPO approves the decision within 60 days.

The increases include:

• Single Ride: from 75 cents to $1
• MetroExpress Day Pass: from $3 to $5
• MetroBus 31-Day Metro Pass: from $18 to $28
• MetroRail 31-Day pass: from $36 to $75