On Wednesday, The Metropolitan Council approved a 25 cent increase in transit fares. The increase, which will go into effect Oct. 1, will apply to regular-route service for both light rail and bus. Metro Mobility fares will increase 50 cents.

According to a news release from Metro Transit, the Council did not approve changes that would extend the time period for morning rush hour fares to be in effect. The move would have changed it so rush hour fares would start up at 5:30 a.m.

“The longer morning rush-hour was a sticking point among people who are transit dependent, and who felt it would impose particular hardship upon lower-income customers,” said Council Chair Peter Bell, in the news release.  “We felt this was an area where we were able to exercise some flexibility.”

For SouthWest Transit riders, the increase means it will cost $2.25 for a ride during off-peak hours, $3 for a ride during peak hours.

*Local routes would go from $1.50 to $1.75 for off-peak, $2 to $2.25 for peak

*Metro Mobility fares would go from $3 to $4 for peak hours, $2.50 to $3 for off peak hours

*Limited mobility fares would go from 50 cents to 75 cents.

According to the news release: “The Council also approved a second fare increase, if needed, to take effect sometime in 2009, adding up to another 50 cents to the cost of a bus, train or Metro Mobility ride, depending on the cost of fuel and other economic factors. Council officials have indicated there will be opportunity for additional public input in advance of a second increase, if another increase is deemed necessary. The need for a fare increase was announced in June, followed by public hearings and meetings in July.  More than 400 public comments were received from people who attended the public sessions or submitted comments by other means, including email, fax, phone messages and mail.”