The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) will make a presentation and hear public comments on proposed fare increases for the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) at three public meetings on Wed. May 26.

The proposed fares would be the second phase of a two-part increase. The first phase occurred in October 2009. The second part would increase the regional day pass from $7.50 to $10 in October of this year. TRE weekly, monthly and annual passes also would increase. Reduced TRE fares would not go up under the proposed new fare structure, and The T's fares for local bus, local reduced and MITS would not be affected.

The T will provide comments from the public meeting to its board prior to its June 16 meeting when it will present the proposed new fares for board action.

"The TRE has been operating considerably below the fare level of other commuter railroads for many years, and this increase would bring it closer to the national average for commuter railroads," said T President Dick Ruddell.

The T's sales tax revenue is down more than $2 million year-to-date and similar funding short-falls are facing transit agencies across the country.