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The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is one step closer to implementing its first fare increase in 13 years. Yesterday, the board gave the green light to hold at least six public hearings in late April and early May to gather feedback on the proposed hike.

If the board approves the fare hike at its May meeting, prices would increase on July 3. Currently, base rail fares are $1.50 and bus fares, $1.25. The board has considered reducing discounts on passes, establishing a single fare for rail and bus, and introducing weekly and monthly passes for senior citizens.

RTA needs to generate at least $8 million in additional revenue to offset projected operating budget deficits in 2007 and 2008. Officials attribute the deficits primarily to rising diesel fuel costs, which have spiked from $4 million in 2002 to an estimated $13 million in 2006.