A 10-cent fare hike has yet to be implemented and the Metro board already is considering another hike to follow it.
The 10-cent fare increase on Metro and Metrobus takes effect at the end of the month and lasts through the end of June to close a budget shortfall. Beginning Feb. 28, the regular base fare on Metrorail will increase from $1.65 to $1.75. The lowest off-peak fare will rise from $1.35 to $1.45. And the maximum fare will increase to $4.60.
On Metrobus, fares are going up to $1.45 or $1.35 for passengers who use SmarTrip cards.
And Metro's board of directors is already talking about further rate increases that could take effect in July, as officials scramble to close another $189 million shortfall in the next fiscal year budget.
Under a plan to be presented Thursday, base Metrorail fares during rush hours could rise to $1.90. Off-peak fares would rise to $1.55.
