CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati City Council approved the remainder of Metro's fare increase package on Wednesday. That means Metro will only have to reduce its service by 12 percent instead of 20 percent to balance the 2010 budget.
The fare increase and service reduction will go into effect on Sunday, December 27.
The decision saves 1 million rides and 55 full-time jobs.
City Council approved a fare increase last week, but did not approve the access component of the total package, which was needed to balance Metro’s 2010 budget.
“Our goal has been to preserve as much service as possible for our customers,” said Metro CEO Marilyn Shazor. “City Council’s approval of the entire Metro and Access fare increase package has saved almost 1 million rides for our customers and 55 full-time jobs for our bus drivers and mechanics.”
The following Metro fares will go into effect on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009:Zone 1, base fare:$0.25 increase (Zone 1, City of Cincinnati)
Current, $1.50; NEW, $1.75
Fare Deal/child: Current, $0.75; NEW, $0.85
Zone 2 fare:$0.40 increase (Zone 2, Hamilton County)
Current, $2.25; NEW, $2.65
Fare Deal/child: Current, $1.10; NEW, $1.30
Transfer charge:$0.25 increase
Current, $0.25; NEW, $0.50
Monthly passes:Zone 1: Current, $55; NEW, $70
Zone 2: Current, $90; NEW, $106
Metro/TANK: Current, $90; NEW, $105
Fare Deal sticker: Current, $32.50; NEW, $38.50
The new Access fares will be phased in on Dec. 27, 2009 and June 6, 2010:Zone 1 (City of Cincinnati)Current fare: $1.50
New fare: $2.50 effective 12/27/09 ($1 increase)
$3.50 effective 6/6/10 ($1 increase)
Zone 2 (Hamilton County)Current fare: $2.00
New fare: $3.50 effective 12/27/09 ($1.50 increase)
$4.50 effective 6/6/10 ($1 increase)
