Looks to leave MetroAccess cap alone, scrap flat rate ‘tourist’ faresMetro is scaling back its fare increase proposal after hearing from thousands of riders, scrapping plans to charge flat rate “tourist” fares and to raise the maximum fares for disabled riders.

The transit agency plans to propose the modifications to its board of directors on Thursday after announcing Sunday that an anticipated gap in next year’s budget has shrunk by $16 million, according to spokesman Dan Stessel. Agency officials are proposing that riders and taxpayers share the benefit of the updated forecast, grown rosier with an improved economy. Still, both groups would feel the impact if the board approves the plan.