Let Your Voice Be Heard On Proposed Metro Fare Hikes

If you’d like your voice heard on Metro’s proposed fiscal 2013 budget and fare hikes, head to the tonight.

Metro is launching the first of a series of six public forums to solicit feedback on the proposed budget, and Bethesda will host the inaugural event this evening.  An open forum will begin at 6 p.m., and the hearing follows at 7 p.m.

As a part of the proposed $1.6 billion operating budget, transit users would need to contribute a total of $66 million through fare and fee hikes, which include Metrorail, Metrobus, MetroAccess and station parking, the Washington Post reports.

For Red Line riders, peak fares could increase on trips from Montgomery County into Washington, D.C. – for example; a peak trip from Shady Grove to Metro Center could be increased from $5 to $5.75 or $6, the Post reports.

Under the proposal, the 20-cent peak-of-the-peak surcharge would be eliminated, and a flat fare for paper farecards – either $4 or $6, depending on the time of trip or the distance traveled – would be imposed.

The proposed $904 million capital budget includes the replacement of Metro’s oldest railcars with newer models, track and infrastructure rehabilitation, and escalator and elevator replacements, according to WMATA.

The Metro board is expected to take action on the budget in June, with any adopted changes going into effect in July.

More information on the proposed budget is available via Metro's website.

If you wish to speak at the hearing, Metro requests you submit your name and any organizational affiliation via email at speak@wmata.com, via fax at 202-962,1133, or via mail, Office of the Secretary, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

What do you think of Metro’s proposed budget and fare hikes? Tell us in the comments.