HTN: No More Free Ride on Downtown Rail?

There may not be a free ride much longer on Metro Rail's downtown section. The NFTA is considering implementing a fare for the above-ground section that has been free since the line opened in 1986. Currently, riders who get on between Scott and Tupper Streets do not have to pay. But, the NFTA wants to change that because of a nine-million dollar budget gap. Riders on the rest of the line will be paying more as regulat bus and rail fares are expected to increase to a dollar-75 on January 1st. The NFTA is holding a heated meeting on the fare increase this hour.