That's because new fare hikes approved two-months ago by Regional Transit officials are taking effect.  

RT spokeswoman Alane Masui says they have to increase fares to deal with a big loss in state funds.   

"The governor and the legislature cut $18.3 million in fiscal year 2009 and RT explored every possible cost cutting measure and we're forced to raise fares." 

The basic fare is now $2.25 - up from $2.00.

Daily passes have increased from $5.00 to $6.00.

And monthly passes are up from $85 to $100. 

The fare hikes comes at a time when more people are taking mass transit. According to RT's most recent figures from October, light rail ridership is up 19% from a year ago and bus ridership is up 10%.