Metro fares will increase 12.5% and most service will not be cut, according to its $4.8 billion budget that takes effect July 1.
Earlier, Metro officials considered drastic cuts in services, including closing a few stations. That will not happen thanks, in part, to Maryland, Virginia and D.C. legislators putting in hundreds of millions of dollars of additional funding. Also, Metro reduced its costs by $50 million.
“We appreciate the collaboration of our regional partners on this board-approved budget that will keep our community moving,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke in a news release.
Beginning in July, bus fares and base rail fares will increase from $2 to $2.25. The maximum rail fare will increase from $6 to $6.75. Late-night and weekend fares will rise from a flat $2 to a variable charge between $2.25 and $2.50 based on distance.
MetroAccess fares will be capped at $4.50, up from $4. Bicycle lockers will cost five cents an hour for a total of $1. Parking fees will not change.
In an effort to avoid major cuts in the future, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority created DMV Moves.
The new organization is led by a 20-person task force that includes Montgomery County Vice President Kate Stewart and Maryland Delegate Marc Korman, (D-16). Task force members will begin meeting in June.
“In bringing these two boards together, we are creating a historic and crucial opportunity for leaders across the DC region to develop a shared vision and path forward,” said COG Board Chair and D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen.
“It’s not just for how the more than a dozen rail and bus systems can align transit needs across the District, Maryland, and Virginia, but also how we can collectively meet the challenge of sustainable and dedicated funding,” he wrote in a news release.
Looking forward to serving and being part of this initiative as we work toward a sustainable future for public transit in our region. https://t.co/g9XlXsguh7
— Councilmember Kate Stewart (she/her) (@cmkatestewart) May 2, 2024
