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When Metro bus fares go up across the board early next year, some riders will get a big break. King County is implementing a new, reduced fare program for low-income riders.

On March 1, the adult, two-zone peak fare will increase to $3.25. Metro will offer a flat fare of $1.50 for low-income passengers.

County Executive Dow Constantine says demonstrates the county’s commitment to social equity.

“It’s the right thing to do. Because creating access to affordable, reliable public transportation creates opportunity.”

Seattle-King County Public Health will administer the program, in part because of its experience working with low-income residents. The county will recruit local community groups and social service organizations to recruit low-income riders and verify eligibility, creating significant challenges, said Constantine.

“But it will deliver tangible results and it will have an immediate positive impact on the lives of many people in our communities,” he added at a news conference Thursday in downtown Seattle.

Adults with an income at 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, about $23,340, are eligible, according to the county executive’s office. Riders who qualify must use an ORCA card and cannot pay cash.

The reduced fare program will cost the transit agency about $7 million to $9 million a year.

Constantine estimates between 45,000 and 100,000 eligible riders might take advantage of the program.