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Capital Metro’s board recently approved a plan to increase fares for all transit services in Austin, Texas, much earlier than expected next year. Scheduled to take effect on Jan. 18 instead of in August as previously planned, the fare hike will affect MetroRail, MetroAccess, RideShare, and local and express bus services.

MetroRail’s single ride/zone 1 fare will increase from $1 to $2 and single ride/zone 2 fare will rise from $1.50 to $3. In addition, the cost of an adult day pass will go up from $3 to $6.

The fare increase is part of a long-range “financial sustainability plan” designed to help Capital Metro mitigate rising costs and offset the sluggish economy, according to the agency.

Meanwhile, Capital Metro plans to soon begin testing diesel multiple units on its 32-mile commuter-rail line during afternoon periods. The agency primarily has tested the units during morning hours on the line, which runs between Austin and Leander, Texas.