Bus riders in the Triangle could soon have to dish out some extra cash to make their way around the area.
After nearly a decade of keeping the price of bus fares consistent, Capital Area Transit and the Triangle Transit Authority are proposing increases for 2014 and 2016 that are designed to help the keep up with escalating costs and improve bus services and facilities.
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The cost of a local day pass would rise from $2 to $2.50 in 2014 and climb from $2.50 to $3 in 2016.
Regional daypass fares would rise from $4 to $5 during the two-year span, and express daypass bus fares would go from $5 to $7. A full list of proposed increases has been published online.
The fares would go up in fall 2014 and again in 2016, officials said. Triangle Transit and CAT have estimated boardings of 28,000 each weekday.
Hope Krehibiel, who rides a bus three to four times a week, said the increase would have an impact on riders.
"Upkeep of the buses versus what we are paying isn't comparable," she said. "When you only have so much money every month, it definitely impacts you."
Karen Webster, also a frequent rider, said riding the bus would still be a good deal even with an increase.
"I think it's a good deal. I don't have to pay car payment and car insurance and all that," she said.
The agencies are seeking public feedback on the proposed increases. The first of two public hearings on the proposal will take place Monday at 6:30 p.m. inside the City Council chambers.
The second hearing will be held May 21 at 1 p.m. at the Triangle Transit administrative offices on Emperor Boulevard in Durham.
A fare equity analysis is also being conducted under federal guidelines for implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to review how the proposed changes may affect minority and low income populations.
Final approval will be needed from the Raleigh Transit Authority and Triangle Transit Board of Trustees.