Why is Tri-Met increasing bus fares?

Cultural Historian Sought for I-205 Light Rail Project
Job Opening:
TriMet's Public Art Program is seeking a qualified cultural historian to research and write a report that summarizes the unique cultural, ethnic and historical character of the station areas surrounding the proposed I-205 light rail extension. The compensation for the project is $6,000.

The report will summarize the cultural, ethnic and historical character of the station areas and include recommendations for community participation in the I-205 art program.

Fares Increase in April
Beginning Friday, April 1, 2005, single fares—including All-Zone, 2-Zone and Youth/Student fares— increased 5 cents, and 10-Ticket Books went up by 50 cents. All-Zone and 2-Zone Monthly Passes increased by $2.

Who rides on Tri-Met?
Compared to non-riders, TriMet riders on average are likely to be younger, more likely to be students and single, and as a result, have a lower median household income.

It's nice that Tri-Met raises their rates to buy a report on artwork. I'm sure that the poor people who ride the bus would rather read about the "cultural, ethnic and historical character of the station areas" than have a little extra money in their pocket for bills.