DOT: Metro-North riders face possible fare hike

The state Department of Transportation says it is considering raising fares for Metro-North riders in Connecticut.
The DOT says it'll need to raise fares and cut some services due to a lack of money in the transportation fund that's controlled by the state legislature. Train fares would jump 10 percent in July, followed by additional 5 percent increases in 2020 and 2021.
To cut costs, train service at a certain number of stations would be reduced, and weekend service would be cut along the Danbury and New Canaan branches.
Some bus fares would also go up by 25 cents.
The DOT would have to hold hearings before implementing any fare increase.
Some Metro-North riders tell News 12 that they oppose any fare hike, especially if it also results in service cuts.
State Rep. Gail Lavielle says aside from reallocating funds, if the DOT stopped spending money on unnecessary transportation projects, the agency could put that money toward keeping fares low.
Gov. Dannel Malloy and the DOT commissioner are holding a news conference Wednesday in Hartford to further discuss the potential fare hikes.