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Yesterday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) board approved a plan to raise fares and parking fees beginning Jan. 6 to help make up a budget shortfall projected for fiscal-year 2009, which begins July 1, 2008.

Base fares will rise from $1.35 to $1.65, with the maximum fare increasing from $3.90 to $4.50. Rush hour fares will increase between 30 and 60 cents, depending on trip distance. Off-peak fares will remain the same.

In addition, daily parking fees, which cost up to $4, will increase 75 cents for six months. The board retains an option to increase parking fees by 25 cents in July 2008.

The fare and fee hikes are expected to generate $109 million in additional revenue.

WMATA’s board also agreed to consider fare changes every two years, beginning in July 2010. Future changes would be tied to the Consumer Price Index.

Meanwhile, on Jan. 7, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will implement the second phase of a fare increase approved by the board in May 2006. Cash fares will rise to $1.75 and all-day passes, to $4. The first phase took effect July 1, 2006.