Metra fare increases begin Wednesday

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Updated: March 1, 2012 8:43AM

Metra riders will need to dig a little deeper starting Wednesday, when fare increases averaging more than 25 percent kick in.

One-way tickets will increase an average of 15.7 percent across all fare zones, while 10-ride tickets will go up an average of 30 percent. Monthly passes will increase an average of 29.4 percent, according to Metra.

Reduced fare one-way tickets will increase an average of 10.3 percent; reduced fare 10-ride tickets will increase an average of 18,9 percent and reduced fare monthly passes will go up an average of 10.8 percent.

Taken together, the overall average increase is 25.1 percent.

The agency says the fare increase will help cover a budget deficit caused by a spike in diesel fuel prices, the demands of meeting new federal regulations, higher insurance premiums and a variety of other rising costs.