Photo by {ryan}

Ahead of six public hearings starting next week, Metro wants your input on a proposed slate of fare hikes that may go into effect by this summer.

Starting today, Metro has posted an online survey to inform riders on the state of the transit agency’s 2013 budget and assess what riders want, don’t want and are willing to pay extra for. There’s questions on what support services you find most valuable, what services you’d like to see added and even if you think Metro should keep paying 100 percent of pension costs for unionized employees or have them contribute.

There’s even a tool that allows you to set the percentage of Metro expenses that should be covered by taxpayers and riders (right now it’s at 45 and 53 percent, respectively), and a question that allows you to pick a means to pay for future upkeep of the system — a dedicated source of revenue, an annual fare increase tied to inflation or the usual year-by-year planning.

There are also questions on Metro’s $5 billion capital program (i.e. all the repairs you see on a weekly basis) and on specific fare increase proposals, including increasing the prices on paper farecards and getting rid of the peak-of-the-peak surcharge. All of the details on the fare increases are here.

The survey will remain open until 5 p.m. Monday, March 12, and results will be submitted to Metro’s General Manager and Board of Directors.