Vienna-area Metro commuters could pay up to $7.50 per trip starting in July 2027. WMATA's Finance and Capital Committee reviews the fare increase proposal Thursday, Oct. 8.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is proposing an 11.1% across-the-board fare increase, according to board materials posted ahead of the meeting. The base fare would rise from $2.25 to $2.50, and the maximum fare from $6.75 to $7.50. The increase would apply to all fares, passes, U-Pass, the Metro Access fare cap and the Abilities Ride fee.

The proposal, first reported by Patch, would not take effect until July 2027 and still requires full board approval.

WMATA projects the hike would generate $40 million to $45 million in additional annual revenue but cost the system about 8 million trips.

Free rides for kids

Bundled with the fare increase is a proposal to let all children ages 5 through 18 ride Metro Rail and Metro Bus for free, provided they live in D.C., Maryland or Virginia. Children under 5 already ride free.

The youth program would cost a net $7 million and require $3.5 million in new funding each from Virginia and Maryland. D.C. would see no significant change because it already funds a Kids Ride Free program covering most youth ages 5 to 18. WMATA estimates the program would add 900,000 trips.

The board materials note that youth transit access varies across the region depending on where a child lives or attends school. Peer systems including LA Metro, Boston's MBTA and Seattle's Sound Transit already offer free universal youth fares.

No vote yet

The committee will review the proposal Thursday as an information item. No vote is scheduled. WMATA officials are recommending the full board authorize a Compact Public Hearing this winter to collect rider feedback before any changes take effect, according to the board materials.

Metro last raised fares in June 2024, when prices went up 12.5%, according to the Washington Sun.

Parking and other changes

WMATA is also weighing utilization-based parking pricing at its lots: $3 at 23 low-usage lots, $5 at 14 medium-usage lots and $7 at three high-usage lots. The agency projects the shift would add 1.1 million trips with no net revenue change.

Other concepts in the proposal include expanding the Metro Lift discount to Medicaid, TANF and WIC recipients, offering weekend fares on 11 federal holidays and a $2.50 flat fare on weekends and after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Local angle

Rep. James Walkinshaw, whose 11th Congressional District includes Vienna, rode the Silver Line with WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke in September to discuss Metro's future. "Good transit isn't just about getting from point A to point B," Walkinshaw said on X on Sept. 14. "It's about making our region more affordable, connecting people to jobs, and strengthening our economy."

That post predated the fare proposal. The date for the full board vote to authorize the public hearing has not been announced. WMATA has said the hearing would take place this winter.