Metro board votes to hike fares

WASHINGTON — Metro’s board of directors voted Thursday to raise fares come July.

The committee unanimously approved a 3 percent fare hike. Previously, a 3.5 percent hike was proposed.

On Metrorail, base trips outside of rush hour will go from $2.10 to $2.15.

Metrobus base fares will go from $1.60 to $1.75 and a surcharge to use cash on the bus will be eliminated.

Those who park at Metro lots will pay 10 cents more. Originally, a 25 cent hike was considered. But, in Prince George’s County, several lots will go up 50 cents in price.

Disabled riders who use MetroAccess will see their maximum fares go down to $6.50 from from $7.00.

Here is a full breakdown of the changes from Metro:

Metrorail

• Fares will increase an average of 3% (about 10 cents per trip). Short trips of 3 miles or less will increase from $1.70 to $1.75 during off-peak and from $2.10 to $2.15 during rush hour.
• The maximum rail fare will increase to $5.90, from $5.75 today.
• A $1 surcharge will continue to be applied for trips taken with a paper farecard.
• Passes will increase to the following prices:
  • Unlimited one-day pass $14.50
  • Unlimited 7-day pass $59.25
  • Unlimited 28-day pass $237.00
  • 7-day “short trip” pass $36.00

Metrobus

• Regular bus fares will become $1.75, regardless of whether using cash or SmarTrip. Today, fares are $1.60 for SmarTrip and $1.80 cash.
• Senior/disabled fares will increase to 85 cents, from 80 cents today.
• There are no changes to existing transfer discounts.
• The 7-Day regional bus pass will increase to $17.50, from $16.00 today.

Parking

• Parking rates will increase by 10 cents at all Metro-operated facilites.
• At selected stations in Prince Georges County, parking rates will increase an addition 50 cents (total of 60 cents).

MetroAccess

• MetroAccess fares will continue to be 2x the fastest rail or bus trip. The maximum MetroAccess fare will be lowered from $7 today to $6.50.

WTOP’s Ari Ashe contributed to this report.