Metro To Vote On Increase In Fares And Parking Fees

WASHINGTON (AP) — Metro’s board of directors is expected to vote on the first increase in bus and rail fares in the system in two years.

The transit agency will vote Thursday on a proposal that would raise the average rail fare by about 5 percent. Bus fares would increase by a dime, rising to $1.60 for those who use SmarTrip cards. Bus riders who pay cash would face a 20-cent surcharge. Parking fees at Metro lots and garages would also rise by 25 cents.

The rates would take effect July 1.

Two weeks ago, a board committee approved the fare increases.

Metro officials hope to use revenue from the fee increases to help close a budget gap of about $100 million for the next fiscal year.

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