PRICES GOING UP FOR THOSE WHO CAN LEAST AFFORD IT

In response to rising fuel prices, Tucson is considering increasing the fares.

Gas woes hit Sun Tran
By Andrea Kelly
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona Published: 06.01.2008"

City Manager Mike Hein and the Transportation Department have proposed a 25 percent hike in all economy and full fares, effective July 1. That would raise the full fare from $1 to $1.25 for a single trip and $28 to $35 for a monthly pass.

Economy fares for eligible low-income, senior and disabled riders would increase from 40 cents to 50 cents, and $12 to $15 for a monthly pass. Specialty fares would increase even more, with day passes climbing 50 percent, from $2 to $3.

I was hoping that the increase in the number of riders would offset this but it isn't enough to keep up with the rising cost of fuel:

Sun Tran ridership on the rise.

February — Up 8.6 percent over February 2007

March — Up 6.4 percent over March 2007

April — Up 11.8 percent over April 2007