On Thursday, June 27, at an online presentation, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced changes to Metro fares and other programs. Presenters also shared options for seniors and low-income riders enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Metrorail Fare Increases
Fares for Metrorail riders increased on June 30 by 12.5 percent on weekdays and up to 25 percent on weekends. A base fare of $2.25 will be charged to all riders during the week, Monday through Friday. The maximum fare for weekday riders will reach $6.75 depending on the length of the Metrorail journey. Prices will change based on the distance traveled.
WMATA also changed its flat $2 fare for riders after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends to one that will vary from $2.25 to $2.50 per ride, based on distance.
Metrobus Fare Increases
Metrobus fares increased by 12.5 percent. Each bus ride will now cost $2.25, or $4.80 for the express bus.
This is the first general fare increase for all Metrorail and Metrobus riders since 2017, after a slight rise in price for some trips last year.
Before the initial rise in pricing in 2017, the highest fare was $6 to travel on Metrorail during peak times and $2 during off-peak times.
The uptick in pricing comes as WMATA says it’s attempting to “keep fares in line with cost-of-living adjustments” while allowing the transit authority to “continue running their current levels of service,” according to a WMATA press release.
Greenbelt residents can take advantage of two WMATA programs to assist in lowering the cost of using public transportation.
Options for Seniors
The Senior SmarTrip program – for riders 65 years and older – can be used for 50 percent off all Metrorail and Metrobus fares. Eligible residents must enroll to receive the benefits. They can enroll at more than 30 sites in the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. area. Greenbelt residents can enroll in the program and purchase SmarTrip cards at the Greenbelt Metrorail station and at the Greenbelt Library. WMATA is planning on releasing enrollment options online later this summer.
Metro Lift Program
Residents of Greenbelt can also participate in the Metro Lift Program, another WMATA initiative offering 50 percent discounts on Metrorail and Metrobus fares.
This program is free for D.C., Maryland and Virginia residents receiving SNAP benefits. Enrollment can be done either in person or online at wmata.com/fares/Reduced-Fare-Programs/MetroLift. The closest in-person enrollment location for Greenbelt residents is at the Transit Accessibility Center at WMATA’s new headquarters at 655 Virginia Ave. SW, near the L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail Station on the Green Line.
Matthew Neus is a student at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism interning at the Greenbelt News Review.