Subway and bus rides could soon cost significantly more, if Metro carries out its new budget proposals.
Under one plan, the $1.50 base fare would rise to $1.75 in September, and increase to $2 by 2017 and $2.25 by 2021. An alternative plan would lift the fare at peak hours to $2.25 in September, and $2.75 in 2017 with fares reaching as high as $3.25 in 2021. Visit Metro’s website to see other fare increase proposals.
According to the Los Angeles Bus Riders Union, the increases will have dramatic consequences for L.A.’s low-income communities.
Metro has reported that its riders earn an average income of $16, 250 — just one third of the average across the county.
Last week, we witnessed one particularly creative way of protesting the potential rise in public transportation fares on a street in South L.A. … click play to watch.