L.A. MTA's FY 2004 budget adjusts fares

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) Fiscal Year 2004 budget restructures fares, which have not been adjusted in more than eight years. The basic cash fare would decrease by 10 cents to $1.25 but the cost of a monthly pass would be raised by $10 (now $42) and other fares would be adjusted. No adjustments will be made to fares charged to students, seniors and the disabled. The new fares will go into effect Jan. 1, 2004, and will generate about $15 million. In addition to fare increases, the budget calls for the elimination of 104 positions, no wage increase next year for MTA employees unless specified in labor contracts, a 10% cut in administrative costs and a $6 million reduction in worker's compensation costs over the year.