The changes come amid local angst over ridership declines on some of DART's light rail lines, reported by some sources as approaching eight-year lows. The new system takes effect with DART's opening of the second section of its Orange Line, extending service from Las Colinas, Tex., to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and DART's Blue Line extension from Garland to Rowlett, Tex.

DART said the changes "follow a board vote that was preceded by a public hearing and 18 community meetings on the proposed changes. No changes have been made to the existing reduced fare structure, and the price of a paratransit fare remains at $3.

A two-hour pass for $2.50 replaces the current single-ride ticket that costs $1.75. DART customers may use the pass to ride any DART bus or rail service, or the Trinity Railway Express between Union and CentrePort/DFW Airport stations, during a two-hour period. The new midday pass is good between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

DART has posted the new information, including a table of the new fares, on a separate webpage, www.DART.org/2012FareChange.