Metro released a revised budget proposal Monday that will ward off severe service cuts previously proposed in December, but it will include significant fare hikes and other service reductions following the transportation system’s $750 million budget shortfall .
The proposal needs to be approved in three jurisdictions ( Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) before the transit system can avoid devastating cuts to bus and Metrorail services, the Washington Post reported .
To close the budget deficit, Metrorail and Metrobus fares would climb 12.5%, which would raise the current $2 fare to $2.25 and increase the maximum fare from $6 to $6.75. Metro said it would do more to combat fare evasion, such as implementing high barriers at fare gates, according to the outlet. On weekends and late nights, fare hikes would increase by up to 25%. Riders who are a part of the low-income Metro Lift program would see fewer increases, WJLA reported .
“We are as optimistic as we can be. Everybody has to be eyes wide open. Nothing is done until something is signed, and those budgets have to be completed,” Metro General Manager Randy Clarke said.