BELOIT, Wis. — Beloit Transit is proposing to increase its standard one-way fare to $2 from $1.50, a change that would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, if approved by the Beloit City Council. The proposal would be the system’s first general fare increase since 2008. Teri Bown, the city’s deputy community development director, said higher fuel, labor and other operating costs are driving the request. “Beloit Transit’s regular fare has remained at $1.50 since 2008, and its current fares are among the lowest in the region,” Bown said. The proposal would also change fare caps and reduced fares. Weekly passes for regular riders would rise from $13.50 for nine rides to $16 for eight rides. Monthly caps would increase from $48 for 32 rides to $60 for 30 rides. Reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans would rise from 75 cents to $1 per ride. Their weekly cap would increase from $6.75 for nine rides to $8 for eight rides, while the monthly cap would rise from $24 for 32 rides to $30 for 30 rides. Fares for students ages 5 through 18 would remain unchanged at 50 cents per ride. Their weekly cap would stay at $4.50 for nine rides, and the monthly cap would remain $16 for 32 rides. The price of transit tokens also would increase. A set of four would rise from $5 to $6; eight tokens from $10 to $12; 10 tokens from $12 to $15; 17 tokens from $20 to $25.50; 20 tokens from $23 to $30; and 50 tokens from $55 to $75. The city may also limit future token sales to public service providers. Bown said the fare changes would cover only part of the system’s rising costs while helping maintain dependable service and bringing Beloit’s prices closer to those charged by transit agencies in Wisconsin and Illinois. The proposed fares for the Beloit-Janesville Express would not change. Residents can submit comments to the City Council from Sept. 21 through Oct. 21. Comment cards will be available on city buses, at the Community Development office on the third floor of City Hall and at the Beloit Transit Transfer Center. Comments can also be emailed to info@beloittransit.com, submitted by calling 608-364-2780, or delivered in person at Beloit Transit headquarters, Community Development at City Hall or the transfer center. The council’s public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 19. City staff will provide the council with public comments before the council considers possible final action Nov. 2.