Metro is getting ready to unveil a new budget that could make all trains eight cars long and reduce weekend fares to just $2.
The recommendations are part of General Manager Paul Wiedefeld's new budget proposal, which will be unveiled Monday.
The recommendations include expanding rush hour service for an additional 30 minutes in the morning and an additional 90 minutes in the evening, reducing weekend fares to a flat $2 and expanding all trains to their maximum length of eight cars, News4's Adam Tuss reports.
The transit agency is also thinking about extending Yellow Line service to Greenbelt, which Metro says would double service during rush hour and help reduce crowding conditions on the line. The new budget also reccomends running all Red Line trains to Glenmont, increasing service at three Red Line stations.
Metro’s GM trying to hit a home run here with riders. This is the first time in years service levels have been recommended to increase #wmata @nbcwashington https://t.co/sN1NKwowU5
— Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) October 29, 2018
Wiedefeld says the proposed service increases will cost about $20 million per year. It will be up to local governments to foot the bill. The budget proposal will be discussed at a Metro board meeting Thursday.
Metro hopes the proposed changes will help increase the transit agency's service and ridership. If the budget is approved, the changes would go into effect July 1, 2019.
