May 19, 2008 6:31 pm US/Eastern
Miami Dade May Hike Bus, Train Fares
Bus Fares Would Incease 50-Cents to $2
MIAMI DADE (CBS4) ―
Skyrocketing gas prices could mean an increase in the cost of public transportation in Miami Dade County.
County commissioners will vote on Tuesday on whether to raise transit fares by 33-percent. If approved, the base fare for trains and buses would increase to $2; monthly passes would also increase from $75 to $100. Mayor Carlos Alvarez said he will support the increase if it is approved by the commission.
Miami residents seemed to see red over the possible rate increases. Scott Lee, who buys a monthly transit pass, says he has nowhere else to cut to make up for the difference. "I won't be able to afford it, period. I won't be able to afford it," Lee said.
His sentiment is echoed by Lakina Barney, a mother of four, who fears the cuts may have to come on the dinner table. "It will be a burden because every dollar for me counts and I have to use it for my kids, to support them," Barney said. Others, say that in the current gas price crunch, "You can't win for losin'," said Kim Rivers.
The new rates, if passed, would go into effect on October 1st, 2008 and would be in line with the cost of public transit in other major cities. And under the proposed fare plan, seniors who have been riding for free would have to pay.
In Chicago, fares range from $1.75 to $2 per ride. Extra fees apply for transfers and discounts are given for riders with transit cards and month long passes. In New York City, public buses and trains cost $2 per ride and discounts are given to riders with monthly passes.
Washington D.C. offers its riders the most options. Fares range from $1.25 to $4.10 depending time of day and if riders use a pre-paid card.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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