To the Editor:

Thank you for your editorial regarding our change in 10-ride ticket prices (Our view, Feb. 7). We share your goal of containing fare increases and making sure our fiscal house is in order. Over the past two years, we have been honest and open about our needs and have taken many steps to operate more efficiently and effectively.

One reason for last year’s increase was that regional sales tax proceeds have lagged due to the faltering economy. Another was our decision to stop using money from our capital budget to cover large operating deficits. A third was the fact that our costs, particularly diesel fuel costs, have risen.