COUNTYWIDE

A 40% subsidy of proposed increases in bus fares for seniors and the disabled was endorsed Thursday by a transit agency committee. The funds--more than $1 million a year available from the half-cent Measure M sales tax--would go to offset the first restructuring of the fare system in eight years.

Under the proposal, seniors and the disabled would pay 30 cents for a one-way trip. They would also get a break in the new all-day pass, down to 75 cents from the proposed $1.25. Monthly pass users would pay $11 instead of $18.50.

Seniors, however, would still face a 100% increase in the 15-cent rate they now pay during off-peak hours. Spokesman John Standiford said the Orange County Transportation Authority plans to look into ways to bring down that cost. A public meeting on the new fares is scheduled for Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. at the Hall of Administration, 10 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana.