Hampton Roads Transit to implement fare hike

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will increase the base cash fare for rail, bus and ferry services on Sunday, agency officials announced this week.

The fare change is necessary to generate revenue that will help the agency strengthen its finances and simplify its fare structure, HRT officials said in a press release.

Increasing the fares by 25 cents will raise annual operating revenue by a projected $1.6 million.

The cost of a one-way trip will increase to $1.75 from $1.50, while a one-day GoPass will increase from $3.50 to $4. The GoPass allows riders to travel on most local transit services all day.

The fare changes were approved by the agency's board in February. HRT staff recommended that fares increase by 50 cents, but the board cut the increase to 25 cents after hearing concerns from the public.