KING

Metro Transit bus in Seattle.

 SEATTLE – King County Executive Ron Sims has proposed a 25-cent fare increase for Metro Transit.

Sims says the proposal will pay for fuel costs that have skyrocketed more than 60 percent this year. It would keep the agency from having to cut service.

"This fare increase will allow us to continue to move forward in an effort to meet the extraordinary demand for more transit, not slip backward at a time when these services are needed the most," Sims said in a press release.

Metro anticipates paying an average of $3.86 per gallon of diesel in 2008, despite budgeting $2.60. The cost difference would create a deficit of more than $14 million, according to a press release.

"This worldwide fuel crisis comes at a time of historic ridership growth for Metro Transit - and is the reason why residents are turning to transit in record numbers as their own budgets are squeezed," Sims said.

If approved by the county council the fare increase would take effect October 1. One-zone peak transit fares for adults would jump from $1.75 to $2. One zone non-peak fares would increase from $1.50 to $1.75 for adult riders.

Fares for seniors would remain at 50 cents and student fares would stay the same. However, fare increases are also proposed for Access fares, FlexPasses and vanpools.