Metro riders could see a fare increase that is smaller and takes effect later than system officials originally proposed.

General Manager John Catoe, who received heavy criticism last week for the increases he wanted to take effect Jan. 1, will not ask Metro’s board of directors to reconsider raising fares until Oct 11. Catoe also said the increases he seeks in October might be less than what he rolled out previously, but did not offer specifics.

If he gets the board to agree Oct. 11 to schedule public hearings on an increase plan, a final decision on any increases would likely not be held until January, with the increases taking effect Feb. 1. Before he asks again for higher fares, Catoe will present detailed financial information to skeptical board members next Thursday.

Last week, Catoe said Metro faced a $173 million revenue shortfall next year without a fare increase, but board members want an intricate explanation of those predictions.

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“I am going to lay out all of the numbers so the board can see where we are and where we are headed in the future,” he told WTOP radio.

Board members have acknowledged Metro will have to raise fares at some point but have questioned Catoe’s plans. D.C. Council Member Jim Graham, who chairs the board’s budget committee, said he wants to see a “totally different approach.” Metro is expecting too much growth in spending, he said, citing $12 million Catoe wants to deposit into a reserve fund and the $41 million the general manager said Metro needs to expand service next year.

“He wants to raise fares for a lot of things I don’t think we need to be raising fares for,” Graham said.

Under the increases Catoe outlined last week, the minimum rail fare would go from $1.35 to $1.75. During rush hour, the minimum fare would jump to $1.80. The maximum fare for rush hour would grow to $4.50 from $3.90. During off-peak hours, the highest rail fare would go to $2.75 from $2.35. Bus passengers would pay $1.50, up from $1.25, for regular bus routes. Daily parking fees, which range from $3.50 to $4, would jump $1.

jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com