Fares on the D.C. Circulator could soon double, the first fare increase in the bus system’s six-year history. The District Department of Transportation is calling for the bus service to charge $2 per trip for cash rides. Under the plan, those using plastic SmarTrip farecards would pay $1.50.

Riders now pay just $1 per trip, a convenient fare because no coins are needed. It also makes the D.C. Circulator popular because that rate undercuts the fares on Metrobus.