Metro officials Tuesday warned that a projected budget shortfall could lead to higher bus fares and reduced service next year.

        Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority chief executive officer Paul Jablonski said no decisions have been made.

        “But fare increases will certainly be an option that we will explore, especially considering the fact that it's been eight years since we raised fares,” he said.

        In 1993, fares went up 15 cents. Mr. Jablonski would not speculate on how much a possible fare increase would be this time.

        The region's primary public bus service, which handles nearly 85,000 riders each weekday (including school students), is looking at a possible $2.3 million shortfall next year.

        That puts Metro in the company of bus services in Columbus and Cleveland, which have said they would be hurting next year.

        The cost for a Metro ride is 65 cents during non-peak hours or 80 cents during peak times, with additional charges for transfers or zone changes. Routes to Warren, Butler and Clermont counties also cost more.

        Most of the anticipated shortage is attributed to cuts in state funding, less money from the city earnings tax and higher costs for disabled services and employee health insurance.

        Metro's $72 million budget for 2002 has already been approved by Cincinnati City Council, required since most of the funding comes from the earnings tax. But revenues from that tax are down $2.4 million and are expected to be down another $700,000 in 2002, for a shortage of $3.1 million.

Identity thieves make messes of victims' lives
Ohioans could rise in House hierarchy
More ERs divert patients
Veto a motion? Mayor's power unclear
Chiropractor indicted, accused of fraud
Cincinnati investigates Ky. pedophile suspect
GOP budget triples Luken cuts
Local store may have sold videos to hijackers
Metro warns of rising bus fare, reduced service
New UC course will explore bioterrorism threat, preparedness
OTR poor benefit from mother's rich legacy
Scott Shively, Q102 radio personality, dies
Teachers mad at 'mandate'
Tristate A.M. Report
Two area balloonists part of unofficial record
Use-of-force policy defended by chief
HOWARD: Some Good News
RADEL: Sensitive cop
Duning's court case under way in Warren
Oneida school to be razed
Family helps empty lot become park
Kentucky News Briefs
Sudden death saddens school
Workers could get refunds