Metro bus fares are going up next year and again the year after.

The Metropolitan King County Council adopted an ordinance Nov. 17 that will raise the cost of Metro fares to cope with a projected $90 million budget shortfall.

The ordinance splits King County Executive Ron Sims' proposed 50-cent increase into two 25-cent increases - one that will go into effect Feb. 1, 2009 followed by a second increase on Jan. 1, 2010.

The first fare increase will affect adult rates and those using Metro's Access van services. According the Council, the first rate increase will generate $9 million over the final 11 months of 2009.

The second increase will again raise the fare for adults, as well as for seniors and people with disabilities. The Council estimates the second increase will generate $13 million for a total revenue increase of $22 million per year.

Youth fares will not be increased.

King County Council member Larry Phillips, cosponsor of the ordinance, said transit agencies across the country set the goal of fares paying for 25 percent of their budget. Metro hasn't been at that goal for seven to eight years but will get there after the Jan. 2010 increase, he said.

The decision to split the increase into two stages was made because factors like higher food costs due to rising fuel prices and a sinking economy are creating a tough financial situation for residents in the county, Phillips said.

"People are hurting right now," he said.

Amber Borgomainerio said the bus has been her main source of transportation since August. The fare increases won't affect the amount she rides the bus because it is cheaper than driving, making it more economical for her as well as for the environment, she said.

Sharon Blumer said she would not stop riding the bus because of the price increase either. She said she takes the bus three to four times per month to get downtown where she doesn't want to pay $12 to park.

Phillips said he doesn't think the fair increases will negatively affect ridership levels. Some people may stop riding because of the price increase, but that number will be dwarfed by number of new riders in the next two years, he said.

Metro ridership has been increasing steadily for the past three years and was not affected by the fare increases in March and July, Metro's first in seven years, said Rochelle Ogershok, media relations for Metro.

Metro's $90 million deficit is caused in part by a $40 million drop in sales tax revenues over the summer, according to the King County Council.

Phillips said in addition to the fare increases, the council has asked Metro to look closely at their efficiency and ways to free up funds.

According to the council, they were able to find $43.7 million in potential savings in Metro.

Much of this will come by locking in low fuel prices by purchasing futures, Phillips said.

Another chunk of the savings, $12.8 million, will come from Metro scaling back or canceling a number of small projects, such as improving exterior signage at Metro bases and upgrading Park-and-Ride lots, according to the council.

Phillips said the fare increases and money-saving measures are being enacted in order to deal with the budget shortfall without cutting back on transit services in a time they are being used more than ever.

"We worked long and hard on looking at how to keep Metro whole next year," Phillips said.

Michael Harthorne may be reached at 783.1244 or michaelh@robinsonnews.com