The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is proposing an increase in fares for rail and bus.
Currently, rail fares range from $2.25 to $6.75, depending on the length of the trip. Standard bus trips cost a flat $2.25, but express buses cost more.
Under the proposal, rail fares would rise to a range of $2.50 to $7.50, according to Metro documents outlining the potential hikes. Standard bus fares would increase to $2.50.
Metro fares last increased in 2024.
The proposed increase is intended to support long-term revenue sustainability, among other goals, according to the documents. Metro is also proposing to expand its free-to-youths fares to Maryland and Virginia. Most riders ages 5 to 18 already travel for free in D.C.
The proposal, which is set to be presented during a WMATA board of directors finance committee meeting Thursday, is for the 2028 fiscal year. That means increases, if approved by the board, wouldn’t take effect until July 2027.
The proposal comes after Metro launched a bus fare evasion campaign earlier this year. In 2024, Metro said that about 70 percent of bus riders didn’t pay. In August, WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke said fare evasion was down 10 to 12 percent.
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