Rail riders could have to pay more to take the train starting this fall.

The CT DOT has proposed a 5% increase to Metro-North fares starting in September and another 5% increase next summer.

"It’s a big deal," says Dariel Serrano, of Waterbury. "You’re used to a certain price, and when it goes up it gets difficult."

The state held its first public hearing on the proposed increases Monday night at the Ferguson Library.

Assistant rail administrator Caroline Kieltyka says the fare increases are based on the governor's approved budget.

“The fare increases will help continue to support our robust rail services here in Connecticut," says Kieltyka. "And balance that out with the rising costs that we’re seeing."

Connecticut has $6 billion in state and federal funding planned for capital projects like the WALK Bridge on the New Haven Line in Norwalk.

For commuters like Zahra Choudry, the rate hike is just another detour to navigate.

"I’ve been expecting it," says Choudry. "It doesn’t make me feel good to be paying more for something, but some things are just necessities. You can’t really give them up.”