KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A new proposal would raise bus fares 25 cents starting March 1.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority has asked for public opinion on the matter.

Due to rising operating costs and declining revenues, KCATA officials want to raise prices from $1.25 to $1.50 on all local routes, according to a news release issued Wednesday.

Unified Government Transit bus service of Wyandotte County, Kan., is also proposing increasing bus fares by 25 cents.

There are four ways to submit your comments about the fare increase. KCATA is accepting comments by e-mail, phone, postal mail and at public meetings.

E-mail: farecomments@kcata.ora

Mail: KCATA Planning Department, 1200 East 18th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64108

Phone: Record your message at 816-346-0300.

Public Meetings:

Downtown:
Friday, Jan. 23 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Central Library, Central Vault Meeting Room
14 West 10th St., Kansas City, Mo.

Kansas City, Kan.:
Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 4 to 6 p.m.
Unified Government Municipal Office Building, Commissioners Chambers - Lobby Level
701 North Seventh St., Kansas City, Kan.

East Kansas City, Mo.:
Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Lucite H. Bluford Branch Library
3050 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, Mo.

Northland:
Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Gashland Presbyterian Church
8029 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Mo.

Comments must be submitted by Feb. 3.