Additional Metro Fare Changes Likely This Summer

From the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority:

Fares on Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess will increase 10 cents, effective Sunday, February 28, through June 26. In addition, fares for senior citizens and people with disabilities will go up five cents and the cost of passes also will increase to help close a shortfall in Metro’s current operating budget.

To tell customers about the change, Metro is posting signs on Metrorail fare vending machines and faregates, Metrobus fareboxes and inside MetroAccess vehicles. Announcements will be made in Metrorail stations, onboard Metrobuses and on the customer service phone line (202-637-7000). Ads will run in local and Spanish-language newspapers later this week and next week. Volunteers will hand out brochures on February 24, 25 and 26 at end-of-the-line and downtown Metrorail stations. Brochures will be in both English and Spanish with information about the new fares. In addition, information is posted on Metro’s Web site, www.wmata.com.

Following are the specific fare increases that will be in place from Sunday, February 28, through June 26. Additional fare changes and other actions related to Metro’s fiscal year 2011 budget are likely later this spring as Metro grapples with a projected $189 million budget deficit.

Fare changes effective February 28 through June 26, 2010

Metrorail regular fare changes

-The base boarding charge will increase from $1.65 to $1.75; Maximum fare on the rail system will increase from $4.50 to $4.60; and Metrorail fares for senior citizens and people with disabilities will increase from 80 to 85 cents.

Metrorail reduced fare changes

-The charge for the first seven miles of travel during off-peak periods will increase from $1.35 to $1.45

-The charge for travel between seven and 10 miles during off-peak periods will increase from $1.85 to $1.95; and

-The charge for travel over 10 miles during off-peak periods will increase from $2.35 to $2.45.

Metrobus fare changes

-The Metrobus cash boarding charge will increase from $1.35 to $1.45, and the SmarTrip® boarding charge will increase from $1.25 to $1.35

-The Metrobus express service cash boarding charge will increase from $3.10 to $3.20, and the SmarTrip® boarding charge will increase from $3 to $3.10

-Metrobus fares for senior citizens and people with disabilities will increase from 60 to 65 cents.

MetroAccess fare changes

-The MetroAccess fare will increase from $2.50 to $2.60.

Changes to Metrorail passes

-The Metrorail One Day Pass will increase from to $7.80 to $8.30

-The Metrorail Seven-Day Short Trip Pass will increase from $26.40 to $27.90

-The Metrorail Seven-Day Fast Pass will increase from $39 to $40.50

-D.C. Student 10-trip fare cards will increase from $8 to $8.50

-The Metrorail Transit Link Card (MARC and VRE) will increase from $80 to $84.

Changes to Metrobus passes

-The Metrobus Weekly Flash Pass will increase from $11 to $12

-Adult tokens (10-pack) will increase from $13.50 to $14.50;

-D.C. student tokens (10-pack) will increase from $6.25 to $6.75

-The weekly Senior Flash Pass will increase from $6 to $6.60

-The weekly Disabled Flash Pass will increase from $6 to $6.60.