Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) will implement a fare increase that will apply to transfers and to all monthly passes. The proposed increase primarily comes as a response to continuous rising fuel prices. The increase was approved by the agency’s Board of Directors in July. MST is required to raise fares and reduce service in order to balance its 2007 fiscal year budget.

Beginning August 28, 2006, MST passengers transferring to another bus will be charged .25 cents or .10 cents for youth, elderly or disabled persons. Previously, all MST transfers were issued to passengers free of charge. The price of a monthly MST pass will also be raised. MST monthly all-zone Fast Pass will increase to $124.00 and all-zone Gold Pass (for youth, elderly and disabled) to $62.00. MST monthly single-zone Fast Pass will increase to $62.00 and single-zone Gold Pass (for youth, elderly and disabled) to $31.00. The base fare of $2.00 per zone remains unchanged.

Also, MST fare zones have been restructured using fewer zones allowing MST passengers to travel farther on a single fare.