Council Urges Metro to Rethink Proposed Fare Changes

Three members of the Montgomery County Council sent a letter to Metro Wednesday detailing their concern about the proposed rail fare changes.

President Evan Glass and Councilmembers Kate Stewart and Marilyn Balcombe wrote that the fare simplification proposed for Fiscal Year 2024 “would eliminate the off-peak rail fares, increase the maximum fare and recalculate the distance formula” when determining fares.

According to the councilmembers, a disproportionate number of county residents who ride during non-rush hours would be affected. They noted that currently a midday round-trip fare costs $7.70. Under the proposed rate changes, that same trip would cost $13.

The rate increase “will serve as a barrier toward increasing ridership,” the councilmembers believe.

The three letter signers are members of the council’s Transportation and Environment Committee.

Write a Comment

Related Articles