Metro is hosting four public meetings this month where the general public is invited to learn more about a fare increase for the Metro Transit system and provide its feedback on different proposals.

In response to increasing demand for public transit and rising operating costs, Metro is evaluating different options that would raise transit fares to help financially support the existing system and continue Metro’s plans for service enhancement, according to a Metro news release.

Periodic fare increases were included as an integral component of the region’s Moving Transit Forward long-range transit plan, the release stated. The plan calls for raising fares by a small percentage every two years to address the transit system’s growing capital and operating needs while avoiding sudden dramatic fare increases.

Public meeting schedule

Monday, April 16

5 to 7 p.m.

East St. Louis City Hall

Rotunda (1st Floor)

301 River Park Drive

East St. Louis, Ill. 62201

Wednesday, April 18

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

St. Louis City Hall

Rotunda (First Floor)

1200 Market St.

St. Louis

Wednesday, April 18

4 to 6 p.m.

St. Louis County Government Center

Second Floor

41 S. Central Ave.

Clayton

Thursday, April 19

5 to 7 p.m.

Metro Headquarters

Board Room

707 N. First St.

St. Louis

Besides attending a public meeting, comments on the fare increase also can be made by phone at (314) 335-3433 or by email at FareIncrease2012@metrostlouis.org.

Metro will accept public comment until Friday, April 27. The fare increase will be effective in July, the release stated.