Drastic fare increases and closing stations during slow periods were among the options rolled out by Metro Thursday to fill the agency’s looming $189 million budget gap.
Washington area residents can weigh in on the proposals during a series of public hearings beginning in late March.
Possibilities include raising the peak period boarding rate up to $5.45, adding a 50-cent surcharge to weekday morning trips between 7:30 and 9 and evening rides between 4:30 and 6, in addition to raising fare during off-peak times to $1.65.
Also, rail and bus passes could get more expensive to keep pace with the fare increases. Another proposal calls for an $1.70 MetroBus boarding charge.
Increasing intervals between trains and buses, closing stations during nights and weekends and eliminating low ridership bus routes are among the service cuts being considered.
The bicycle locker yearly rental fee could nearly triple and all-day parking rates could rise by up to $1.15.
Riders with disabilities could also take an additional hit in the wallet, with an increasingly rising premium for MetroAccess service away from fixed routes. And the agency is looking at limiting the Free Ride Program to MetroAccess riders who qualify.
Plummeting ridership and increased expenses have forced Metro to look at dozens of ways to cut costs or raise revenue.
Metro fares increased 10 cents this week to satisfy a shortfall for the rest of this fiscal year. The temporary surcharge will last until June 27, at which point fares could rise again.
