Rockland County is planning its first transit fare hike since 2002, a move officials say is necessary because of lower revenues brought on by the economic downturn.

Riders are expected to see a 50-cent increase, from $1 to $1.50, on the Transport of Rockland, the Spring Valley Jitney and T.R.I.P.S. paratransit for seniors and the disabled.

The Tappan ZEExpress is also going up 50 cents to $2 and the Clarkstown Mini-Trans will rise 90 cents to $1.50.

Rockland County Transit Administrator Michael Gurski says the fares riders pay doesn't even cover a quarter of their operating costs. He says state and local revenue the county depends on to fund transportation has dried up significantly.

The county says the fare increases are likely to take effect sometime between February and April next year.

To see more about Rockland?s proposed transit-rate hike, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.