By Steve Kemme
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Metro transit system officials say a 25-cent fare increase would save the rush-hour express bus service between West Chester Township and downtown Cincinnati.

Metro determined that raising the fare from $1.75 to $2 per ride in June would produce the revenue needed to continue operating the route for the rest of the year.

West Chester Township trustees recently rejected a proposal from Metro and the Butler County Regional Transit Authority that called for the township to pay $11,437 for service for the rest of the year. The trustees suggested that Metro raise the fare to generate the money.

For five-day-a-week riders, the increase would cost $130 a year, increasing commuting costs to $1,040 a year.

The fare increase must be approved by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, which operates Metro, and Cincinnati City Council. A public hearing will be held in the spring.

Carla Lakatos, executive director of the Transit Authority, said she believes the 25-cent increase is low enough that it will win approval.

West Chester Township Trustee Catherine Stoker said she's pleased with the proposal.

"Even with an extra 50 cents round-trip fare, commuters will save money on gas, parking and wear and tear on their vehicles," she said.

The Transit Authority has been working with Metro to save the West Chester and Fairfield express routes to downtown Cincinnati.

Fairfield City Council recently accepted Metro's proposal requiring the city to pay $8,973 to continue service for the rest of the year. But Lakatos said Metro will allow Fairfield City Council to change its mind and choose a fare increase. City Council meets Monday.

E-mail skemme@enquirer.com