STAMFORD, Conn. — A state transportation official says fares on the Metro North commuter rail line may have to go up at least 10 percent next year, the Associated Press reported.
Harry Harris, chief of the state Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Public Transportation, said Thursday that higher operating costs could mean higher commuter fares or service cuts.
Harris said he has submitted a budget plan to the state Office of Policy and Management that includes a 10 percent fare increase.
Other proposals calling for a combination of fare hikes of 10 percent to 30 percent and service cuts also could be considered, Harris said.
“When the new Legislature comes in January and gets our budget projections in February, they’ll be looking at a range of options,” Harris said. “Whether a fare increase will be necessary will be determined in the first six months of the new year.”
Connecticut subsidizes an average of $1.70 of each ticket sold on Metro-North. Any fare hike must be approved by the DOT.
Fares were increased 5 percent on the New Haven Line in 1996.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees Metro-North, is looking at increases of 10 percent to 30 percent for Long Island Rail Road commuters.
The MTA board voted Wednesday to hold public hearings in February for New York commuters. The MTA board also is considering raising subway fares from $1.50 to $1.75, along with service cuts on subways, buses and Metro-North and LIRR trains.
Fares in Connecticut are set by the state DOT.