Washington’s Metro system is considering an 11.1% fare increase for 2028, alongside a plan to make Metro Rail and Metro Bus free for children aged five to 18 living in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia.
The proposed increase would lift fares from the current range of $2.25 to $6.75 to between $2.50 and $7.50. Metro estimates it would raise an additional $40 million to $45 million, although the higher prices could result in about eight million fewer journeys.
The fare change would apply across Metro Rail, Metro Bus and MetroAccess, as well as passes, the U-Pass scheme, the MetroAccess fare cap and the Abilities-Ride fee.
Free youth travel plan
Metro estimates that the proposed youth fare programme would cost about $7 million a year after accounting for the additional journeys it is expected to generate. The agency forecasts roughly 900,000 extra trips.
Washington already pays for free Metro travel for most children aged five to 18 through its Kids Ride Free programme. Extending the arrangement across the region would require an estimated additional $3.5 million in annual investment from both Virginia and Maryland, while creating a consistent system for young passengers throughout the capital region.
Metro says the initiative would make it easier for children to travel to school, after-school activities and community facilities, while reducing transport costs for families.
The proposals form part of a wider fare strategy focused on modernising payment systems. Metro is considering ending cash payments on buses and allowing people other than Metro Transit Police officers to issue fare-evasion citations.
The agency’s Finance and Capital Committee is due to discuss the proposals on Thursday, October 8. They remain subject to further consideration and approval by the Metro Board of Directors.
Metro expects to publish the general manager’s proposed 2028 budget in December, followed by public hearings during the winter. The final budget is scheduled to be adopted in spring 2027.
