Transit fares go up again in Cleveland

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland transit riders are paying more to ride the buses and trains as the result of the third fare increase in less than two years.

Officials with the Regional Transit Authority defend the new, $2.25 cost of a ride as being on a par with fares charged by transit agencies nationwide.

A 25-cent increase took effect today and follows two similar fare hikes last year. Taking mass transit in Cleveland had cost $1.50 per trip at the start of 2008.

Fares could be rolled back by 50 cents on April 1 when temporary fuel surcharges expire. The agency’s board, however, anticipates a $20 million deficit next year and is expected to vote to make the higher prices permanent.