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An increase in Madison Metro bus fares next year seems more likely after two of three proposed alternatives were denied Monday.

At the Board of Estimates meeting Monday, two amendments to Mayor Dave Cieslewicz’s plan to increase bus fares as part of his 2009 budget failed to pass, while the third was tabled for discussion.

In an attempt to increase revenue for the bus system, Cieslewicz plans to raise the general fare 50 cents, making the cost to ride $2 — one of the most expensive bus fares in the country.

Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, and Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway, District 12, sketched out multiple amendments to steer clear of bumping fares up to $2.

The amendments proposed by Verveer and Rhodes-Conway were supported by other officials and community members who said a fare increase would not be the most effective solution.

Rhodes-Conway, who spent a year-and-a-half on the Metro Committee, obtained “pages and pages” of public comment about the bus system, none of which she said suggested a fare increase.

“We have seen in the past that when we increase fares, we gain ridership but decrease service,” Rhodes-Conway said.

Cieslewicz urged committee members to vote against the proposed amendments, mostly because an increase less than 50 cents would not add new services to the Metro system.

Cieslewicz also said it was a “difficult choice because no one likes to raise fares,” but pointed out it would allow for an increase in security policies and other services.

Ald. Mark Clear, District 19, agreed with Cieslewicz and brought up other issues like the unlimited bus passes given to University of Wisconsin students, which actually decrease revenue.

“In principle, transit is a basic service and it ought to be free,” Clear said. “But in the real world, that’s seldom possible. The most sustainable of a number of poor options is to go with a small fare increase.”

Verveer said the proposed increase in bus fares is normally an important issue for Madison citizens and draws an unusually large amount of public speakers to meetings.

Amanda White, one of the many passionate speakers, strongly opposed the increase because of the current economic and energy crises.

“I see it as a quick band-aid fix that’s detrimental to the system and the community,” White said.

According to Cieslewicz, there hasn’t been an increase in bus fares in more than 10 years, stressing that in less than a year the boosted price will be consistent with inflation.

“The fare increase is the way to go to keep Metro strong,” Clear said.

Speakers pushed other objections to the fare increase, including the fact that the fares would significantly inconvenience regular riders and burden those who don’t have a choice between modes of transportation.

Ald. Robbie Webber, District 5, said the fare would be a 33 percent increase and would jeopardize the strong transportation infrastructure Madison officials are trying to build.