I can't ask for a fare increase when things go bad.

For them, the 50-cent fare increase might as well have been $50, because the money simply is not there.

Officials said a final vote on any fare increase would likely be in December.

The fare increase, the first since 1990, will take effect March 1.

He said that while there would be no fare increase next year, one was possible in 2008.

And the recent budget did not include a fare increase.

But many other officials believe that a fare increase, probably next year, is very likely.

"It may not be necessary to have a fare increase in order to keep the services at the current level."

The current fare increase is expected to raise $5.5 million.

The fare increases will take place during the first week in May.