Politics & Government

Riders Get a Reprieve From Metro Fare Increase

Metro is holding off on increasing fares during peak morning hours until the end of the month.

A sudden change in plans means Metro fare increases will only go into partial effect on Aug. 2, with the rest expected to follow at the end of the month.

Previously, Metro intended to increase its fares 20 cents during peak hours starting on Aug. 1. These hours, which Metro has termed "peak of the peak," are weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. For now, however, Metro will only enact the fare change between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. For riders taking Metro from College Park to McPherson Square in downtown D.C., for example, the fare will increase from $3.70 to $3.90.

According to the Metro's website, the change in scheduling is due to "memory limitations of fare gate technology" and "the format of magnetic fare cards." The website says that the "fare levels" are unable to accommodate both time periods until reprogramming occurs.

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The website did not indicate whether the other planned increases to the weekly short-trip pass, weekly "fast" pass and Transit Link Card for MARC and VRE would also be affected.


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