Commuters face higher fees, fewer services with Metro

If the Washington Metro system is part of your daily commute, be prepared to invest a little more time and money on Monday morning. The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority’s maintenance plan has inconvenienced travelers for nearly a year and now they must adjust to changes in schedules and routes, higher parking lot fees, and a fare increase that began Sunday.

The cost of most Metrorail trips are now 10 to 25 cents more, depending upon where riders are traveling and whether they travel during peak hours. Metrobus fares also increased by 25 cents, which makes the new fare $2; airport bus fees increased the most, by 50 cents per ride.

The increase in fares and other service changes were necessary, according to Metro officials, in the wake of a budget shortfall for the transit authority.

In addition to higher fares, Metro has also adjusted its operating hours. Trains will still begin service at 5 a.m. on weekdays, with stations closing at 11:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, Metro trains will run until 1 a.m.

In addition to paying more, riders may also find themselves waiting longer for their trains.
Starting Sunday, trains began departing every 8 minutes during rush periods instead of 6, with trains arriving at stations with more than one line every 3 to 4 minutes.

For more information on Metro parking rates, CLICK HERE.