OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Transit fares could soon be going up for trolleys, buses and the Sprinter train, 10News reported.

The Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District are proposing to increase fares by July 1.

On Wednesday, people who rely on public transportation are weighing in at a forum in Oceanside, one of two meetings for the public to express their feelings about the proposed fare hikes.

However, with a lack of public input, some have to wonder if people really care.

There were about an equal number of SANDAG board members at the meeting as there were members of the public, and even then only one person chose to address the board.

"How far could you guys actually go on a set income?" Lorraine Lightner asked the board.

Lighter told 10News she has been riding public transportation in San Diego County since 1976.

Transportation officials have two funding problems to deal with, which means double the problems for their budgets.

A big drop-off in state funding combined with falling sales taxes contribute to a big deficit to make up for transportation officials.

Cuts will come from three different areas, with fare increases being the smallest.

"The two agencies are looking at internal cuts, they're looking at service cuts and fair increases are part of that answer," said one transportation official.

A little more than $2 million in fare increase revenue would come from hiking the price of regional passes in all categories -- regular, senior/disabled and Medicare and youth.

There would be an increase for premium passes, but the hikes are steeper as it will be $10 higher for the regular pass, $2.50 for seniors/disabled and Medicare and $5 for youth passes.

Lightner said she understands cuts have to come from somewhere, but she wondered if the board members really understand what it means.

"The people that comp up here, we're the ones who take it. How many of the board members actually depend on it?" said Lightner.

Another public hearing is scheduled for Friday at SANDAG headquarters in downtown San Diego.

The final vote is scheduled for May 8, with the new fare structure -- along with other internal cuts and service cutbacks -- to take effect July 1.