The first proposed fare changes for the Capital Metro bus system in 23 years have caused quite a stir. The transportation authority is holding public meetings to make their case and hear rider comments. (They are June 11, 6pm at Austin Community College South Austin Campus, 1820 W. Stassney; and June 12, 6pm at Austin City Hall; and June 27, noon, Capital Metro Administration Offices, 2910 E. Fifth.)

Several fare options are under discussion, but it’s possibly useful to look at the one-way bus trip costs in some other cities, and see how Austin compares. Obviously, every system is different, but it’s still a somewhat useful yardstick.

Austin: 50 cents, one-day pass $1

Austin (proposed Fall 2008): 75 cents, one-day pass $3

San Antonio: $1, express $2, one-day pass $3.75

Dallas DART: $1.50, one-day pass $3

Houston Metro: $1 local, one-day all zones $3.50

Portland Trimet: $2.05, seven-day pass $20

New Orleans RTA: $1.25, one-day pass $5

New York City Transit: $2, express $5, one-day pass $7.50

This article appears in June 6 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.