NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Transit Authority Board of Directors voted to reduce WeGo services and increase fares.

The proposals were made to address the $8.7 million operating budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.

Board members discussed the changes in Thursday's meeting. They then then heard public comments prior to a final vote.

"These aren't decisions we like to make. I'm thankful staff worked hard to minimize the negative impact of these service changes,” Board Chair Gail Carr Williams said. “Some of the decisions we made today will be life-altering for some, but I know that when funding is available in the future, we will be poised and ready to enhance and grow our service.”

The service reductions will take effect September 29. Some routes will be eliminated, others will be rescheduled, or combined. A full breakdown of revisions to the original proposals will be available on WeGoTransit.com in the morning on Friday, June 29.

Fare for a one-way trip on regular bus service will be increased to $2.00. Change cards, originally proposed to be eliminated on August 1, would now continue to be issued until December 31, 2020. Part of the fare increase will be invested to cover the costs of service added due to the feedback received.

Fare changes will go into effect August 2 and service changes will go into effect September 29.