Fare increases and service reductions are on the table Monday as Sacramento Regional Transit officials face one of their toughest budget decisions in years.
Expecting to be hit with up to $18 million in state funding cuts, RT leaders have signaled that for the second time in three years they will raise fares.
RT staffers will recommend the basic single-ride fare increase from $2 to $2.25, effective in January.
Also recommended: A daily pass would go from $5 to $6, a monthly pass from $85 to $100, and a student monthly pass from $42.50 to $50.
"Raising fares is not what we want to be doing," RT spokeswoman Alane Masui said.
Regional Transit chief Mike Wiley lamented the timing of state cuts for transit; RT ridership has been on the rise as gas prices spiked. "This is the wrong time to cut transit funding," he said.
RT officials will solicit public comments before the board decision. Hearing time is 6 p.m. Monday at RT headquarters, 1400 29th St.
Transit officials likely will prepare an array of cost-cutting ideas to match future transit funding from the state.
Several board members and riders said they lean more toward fare increases than service reductions.
Rider Etta Larrabee submitted a poll she took of nearly 300 riders, most of whom said they preferred fare increases, if necessary, rather than see their local bus line cut.
"Please be responsive to the passengers," Larrabee wrote.
RT staff officials, however, said they intend to recommend a series of countywide bus reductions.
Other budget-balancing items under consideration include charging for parking at park-and-ride light-rail lots, further staff reductions, slowing payments to the district pension fund, revamping transfer agreements with other bus agencies and changing Paratransit pass programs.
Call The Bee's Tony Bizjak, (916) 321-1059.
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