OAKLAND, Calif. -- If you plan to take Bay Area Rapid Transit after the holidays do not forget your extra change -- BART is raising its fares by 5 percent effective Jan. 1.

The fare increase is part of an overall plan to address rising costs, including post Sept. 11 increased security. Apparently the slowing economy has left BART with lower revenues due to a decrease in ridership and sales tax revenues, officials said.

BART has already reduced spending and has laid-off employees to counter the sour economy.

This is the first fare increase in over five years. BART officials say some riders could see an increase of up to 50 cents per roundtrip.

If you would like to dodge the extra costs, a 6.25 percent discount may found at local retailers, visit www.bart.gov for more information.