Metro is considering raising fares and offering free rides to riders 18 and under, according to materials the public transportation agency will present to the WMATA Board of Directors Finance and Capital Committee on Thursday.
A fare strategy presentation obtained by Patch states Metro is considering raising fares by just over 11%, what it calls an "inflation-based increase."
The increase would result in fares starting at $2.50 per trip and reaching a maximum of $7.50. Officials are also considering changing parking fees to reflect lot usage rates.
Fares currently run from $2.25 to $6.75.
The system says it could also offer free trips to children up to 18 years old, but only if it gets $3.5 million more in funding from both Maryland and Virginia.
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Authorities are presenting the free youth trips as a way to give young people more access to schools and activities, and to lower costs for families.
Fare proposals presented on Thursday will be intended for Fiscal Year 2028. Any proposed fare changes would need to be approved by the Board and would not take effect until July 2027, Metro told Patch.
Metro last raised fares in June 2024, when it spiked prices by more than 12%.
Officials plan to schedule a public hearing this winter before implementing fare changes.
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