Metra commuters will be paying more to ride the train starting Feb. 1, 2012, as the board unanimously approved fare increases Friday.



One-way tickets will increase an average of 15.7 percent across all fare zones, and monthly passes will go up an average of 10.8 percent. The overall increase, including reduced fare tickets, will increase 25.1 percent, Metra officials said.



Kane County Metra board member Mike McCoy, said he voted yes and supports the increase as necessary. McCoy was appointed about four months ago.



" I'm convinced we need the increase mainly ... to get the budget on track, to spend money on the system and get the capital part of our budget back healthy," McCoy said. "I think it's a drastic increase. I strongly do not like to have such a large increase at one time, and I don't see that happening again."



Metra commuters leaving Geneva for the Ogilvie Transportation Center, currently paying $6 one way, will pay $6.75 in February. Ten-ride passes will go up from $48.05 to $60.75, and monthly passes will increase from $152.55 to $192.25.



Commuters from the Elburn and LaFox stations to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, who are currently paying $6.50 one-way, $51.85 for 10 rides and $164.70 for a monthly pass, will pay $47.25, $65.25 and $206.50, respectively, Metra officials said.



McCoy said that over the last several years, Metra has been taking money from the capital budget to pay operating expenses.



"We need to keep those separate. Some capital projects are not extensions or expansions, but mostly maintenance of our system to keep it in good working order," McCoy said.



In addition to the fare increase, the board cut $17.5 million out of the rail line's budget, including locking in the price of 75 percent of its fuel needs and administrative reductions, officials said. The fare increase will help cover a budget deficit next year because of a spike in diesel fuel prices, the demands of meeting new federal regulations, higher insurance premiums and other rising costs, officials said.



Proceeds from the regional transportation sales tax also have fallen short of expectations because of the faltering economy, officials said.



Other changes the board approved to go into effect Feb. 1 include:



• One-way tickets will be valid for 14 days instead of a year and no longer will be refundable.



• Ten-ride ticket discount will be reduced so riders will get 10 rides for the price of nine instead of 10 for the price of eight.



• Monthly passes will be valid through the end of the month instead of noon the first day of the next month, and refunds will cost a $5 handling fee.



Metra’s 2012 budget includes $686.8 million for operations and a $244.1 million capital program. The budget will be forwarded to the Regional Transportation Authority, which is expected to vote on it in December.