Economic Woes May Lead To Transit Fare Increases

SAN DIEGO -- The trolley is an easy choice for David Gomez because he is a full-time student and doesn't have time to work.

"Gas is pretty expensive right now, so I think the trolley is a lot better," said Gomez.

But even a ride on the trolley gets a little tight.

"They charge like $2.50 for one station or two stations. That's pretty expensive," said Gomez.

Imagine Gomez's surprise when told that his ride might get more expensive.

"That would be bad because I'm not working right now. I'm just coming to school. That's not good," said Gomez.

The price increase is not official yet.

Like many people, the Metropolitan Transit System and the North County Transit District are dealing with expensive fuel and budget cuts.

And like many city governments, cost-cutting could be in effect.

"So, they're going to be coming to SANDAG in the next little while to ask for fare adjustments, probably increases," said Dan Levy, senior planner with SANDAG.

The increases could affect the trolley, buses, the Coaster and the new Sprinter.

More importantly, an increase could affect people like Gomez, who expect mass transit to be an easy choice, not a more expensive one.

Transit officials said they are trying to avoid fare increases.

They are considering cutting staff, eliminating some bus routes and reducing weekend and holiday service.