Oregon Public Broadcasting

Bus and light-rail commuters in Portland had to come up with an extra five cents Wednesday. As Kristian Foden-Vencil reports, many seem resigned to the fare increase, but worry about finding enough nickels.

Oregon's largest transit agency TriMet implemented its 10th fare hike in 10 years. An adult two-zone ticket went from $2 to $2.05.

Lindsey Rolls takes the bus everyday from Beaverton to Tigard.

Lindsey Rolls: "It feels like almost every year that they're raising the prices. I kind of understand why, but it's getting kind of ridiculous how much they're asking. It's like $88 for a monthly fare. That's insane."

With a monthly pass, Rolls doesn't have to worry about having the right change. But several riders worried about finding a supply of nickels to make exact fare. 

Over the past 12 years, TriMet has eliminated 16 bus lines. But it's also doubled light-rail service.

Other West Coast transit agencies have had fewer increases. But when they do increase the fare, it tends to be a bigger jump.

In Seattle, King County’s Metro Transit ticket will jump to $3 in January.