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Yesterday, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) board approved a fare increase — the agency’s first since 1993.

The increase will be instituted in two phases: on July 1, 2006, and Jan. 7, 2008.

In July, base rail fares will increase from $1.50 to $1.75. In addition, five-ride tickets will increase to $7.50 and $8.75 in 2008; the $3 all-day pass, to $3.50 in July and $4 in 2008; the $13.50 weekly pass, to $15 in July and $17.50 in 2008; and the $54 monthly pass, to $58 in July and $63 in 2008.

The fare hike will help cover fuel costs, which have risen from $4 million in 2002 to an estimated $14 million in 2006, RTA said.