Metro Approves 5 Percent Fare Hike

Metro riders can expect to pay a bit more to get around the area this summer, as Metro's board of directors approved a new set of fare hikes to take effect on July 1. 

Just like the on the proposed fare increases earlier this year, the meeting was well-attended by commuters who rely on MetroAccess, the Metro's paratransit system, according to the Washington Post. They railed against the proposed increases to use MetroAccess, which is tied to the cost it takes to use Metro to get from point to point.  

Metro's 2013 budget unveiled last January in a plan that also raises bus, rail and parking rates across the system.

The $1.6 billion budget proposal increases fares by roughly 5 percent while expanding the system's total number of employees by 9 percent.

Among the changes:

• Base rail fares would increase from $1.60 to $1.70.
• Minimum "peak" rail fare would increase from $1.95 to a minimum of $2.10; it would max out at $5.75 for the system's farthest reaching areas, up from the current $5.
• Base bus fares would go from $1.50 to $1.60.
• Parking fees would increase $.25.
• Those who use paper farecards would pay one-way flat fares instead of fees based on station. The cards would cost $6 during rush hour and $4 in off-peak times, regardless of where the rider traveled.
• Day passes would no longer be an option.
• The one bright spot for riders who remember the fare hikes of two years ago: Metro would eliminate the "peak of the peak" surcharge passed on to riders during rush hour.