Transit fares increase across the metro

Additional revenue from fares will help address regional transit budget shortfall

ST. PAUL – Sept. 29, 2008 – An increase in regional transit fares goes into effect Oct. 1. Beginning Wednesday, the cost of a ride using regular route service goes up 25-cents. For Metro Mobility service for people with disabilities the increase is 50-cents.

New cash fares will be $1.75, $2.25 or $3 depending on the type of service and time of day. Fares for seniors and youth will be 75 cents during non-rush hours. Persons with disabilities will pay 75 cents for any trip. Metro Mobility fares will be $4 during weekday rush hours and $3 at other times.

The need for a fare increase was announced in June, followed by public hearings and meetings in July. The Council calls the increase “modest and fair,” and attributes the higher fares to rising fuel costs and lower than expected revenues from the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax.

The fare increase will be implemented by all service providers, including Metro Transit, the region’s largest provider of transit service, Metro Mobility, suburban transit providers, and dial-a-ride and other contracted service.

The last fare increase was three years ago. Council officials say regular route transit riders pay about 30 percent of transit operating costs. Other transit funding sources include MVST revenues and legislative appropriations from the state’s general fund and federal grants.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.

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