Metro Transit Holds Hearings On Possible Fare Increases
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Metro Transit is talking about how much it may have to cut bus routes and hike fares when a state budget is actually approved.
It's facing a $109 million cut in state funding, based on the most recent proposal from lawmakers.
Metro Transit is considering raising fares up to 50 cents and cutting back bus service by 25 percent.
The Metropolitan Council held the first of two public meetings on Wednesday night to talk about the impact of potential budget cuts. Many people who attended the meeting say public transit is their only option to get around and get to work. They say they can't afford higher fares.
"That means I might not be able to do some of my work, I might not be able to go to work, and I might not be able to go worship. These things are really important to a lot of people, and it's very important to me," one Metro Transit rider told the Met Council at the hearing.
There is another public hearing on potential transit cuts Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Central Library in downtown Minneapolis.
