Citing high diesel fuel costs and weaker than expected sales-tax receipts, RTD officials proposed hiking cash bus and light-rail fares by 25 cents beginning Jan. 1
The agency had planned a fare increase for January 2009, but Regional Transportation District General Manager Cal Marsella said the increase is needed earlier if the agency is to avoid making cuts in bus and rail service.
RTD already plans to reduce much of its G line light-rail service next month because of empty trains, especially at off-peak times.
The proposed 2008 increases will affect all fares, including 10-ride ticket books, all categories of monthly passes and special fare programs like College Pass.
“I won’t like it. I think it’s too expensive already,” said RTD express bus rider Whitney George, as she boarded the 120X to Thornton late Monday afternoon at Market Street station in downtown Denver.
George’s monthly express pass would jump to $108 from the current $99 under RTD’s fare increase. “I’ll probably pay it anyway,” said George, who works for an investment banking firm downtown.
Marsella said RTD also needs more money because its cost for providing access-a-Ride service for disabled riders has continued to increase at a rapid rate.
