The decision was made this week to raise transit fares in Cedar Rapids to help make up for the city budget shortfall caused by the summer flood and current economic situation. The Gazette’s Rick Smith reported on his city government blog that regular fares will rise to $1.25 from $1, and reduced fare will increase from 50 cents to 60 cents. There was a proposal to eliminate Saturday service, which averages only 1300 riders each weekend, but the City Council rejected that proposal. Fares provide only about 15 percent of the transit operating costs.