You may be in for a surprise when you swipe your Metro fare card Monday morning -- some fares have gone up.
Metro's board gave final approval in March to a new budget that includes fare hikes for rail riders, passengers who use SmarTrip cards on buses, and for people Metro parking lots, particularly in Prince George's County. Those increases went into effect Sunday.
Here's how the fare increases break down:
Metrorail: Fares increased an average of 3 percent (or about 10 cents per trip). Short trips of three miles or less increased from $1.70 to $1.75 during off-peak hours, and from $2.10 to $2.15 during rush hour.
The maximum rail fare during rush hours went from $5.75 to to $5.90, and the off-peak maximum increased from $3.50 to $3.60.
A $1 surcharge will continue to apply for trips taken with a paper farecard instead of a SmarTrip.
Metrobus: Regular bus fares increased to $1.75 for both cash and SmarTrip users. Express bus fares increased from $3.65 to $4, and airport bus trips increased from $6 to $7.
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Fairs for seniors and disabled riders increased to 85 cents. Seven-day regional passes jumped from $16 to $17.50.
Parking: Parking rates went up 10 cents at all Metro-operated facilities. In Prince George's County, except at Landover, Addison Rd. and Prince George's Plaza stations, rates increased 60 cents.
MetroAccess: Fares will continue to cost twice the fastest rail or bus trip. However, the maximum MetroAccess fare was lowered from $7 to $6.50.
For more information, or questions about the fare changes, contact Metro Customer Service at (202) 637-7000.
