METRO raises fares for first time in 14 years

HOUSTON It is up a quarter from $1.00 to $1.25. Prices go up from there. People who ride farther will see higher increases, as much as a dollar in some cases. Even though the move is unpopular with some riders, METRO board members consider the hike a necessity.

METRO Board Chairman David Wolff explained, "They need to have it to get to work, they need to have it to get to health care, and we have to make sure that service is going to be in place 10 and 20 and 30 years from now."

METRO projects the increase will generate $14 million more in 2009. It's money the board chairman says is needed to keep the transit authority on solid financial footing and to pay for everything from fuel to payroll. The fare increases go into effect November 2.

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