Biggest WMATA Fare Hike Arouses Student Concern
The largest subway fare hikes in the history of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority took effect Sunday, which some student interns say will add a burden to their work experience. The hike comes with additional higher bus and parking fees.
The base rush-hour subway fare rose by 30 cents, to $1.65, and the maximum peak fare rose to $4.50. Off-peak fares will remain the same.
Metrobus rides now cost $1.35 for riders paying cash, but customers using SmarTrip cards still pay $1.25.
The hikes, passed last month by the WMATA Board of Directors, are the first in four years for the agency. Prior to the move, the agency faced a $141 million budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
According to The Washington Post, the projected deficit is due to ballooning operating expenses, including rising energy costs, expanded service and maintenance of an aging system.
In addition to rail and bus fares, parking fees at WMATA lots have also risen. Daily parking fees, which previously cost up to $4, rose 75 cents. In addition, metered fees rose from 25 cents to $1 per hour.
“This fare increase isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity,” said WMATA General Manager John Catoe in a WMATA press release. “If the Board did not act, the only option was to cut service, and nobody wants to see that, especially our customers.”
While customers may not want to see services cut, some Georgetown students are concerned about the effects of the fare increase.
Kathleen Berggren (COL ’10), who interns on Capitol Hill, said, “It poses a challenge to the many Georgetown students who volunteer as interns. It’s very difficult when you’re not making any money.”
Aaron Marquez (SFS ’08) was also upset by the increase. “I commute every day,” he said. “I buy the weekly pass. It used to be $22, but now it’s $26.”
Not all students were opposed to the fare increase. “If it’s going to help the Metro, then it’s worth it,” said Dawn Hu (SFS ’11).
“I ride the Metro two to three times a week,” said Robert Loplin (MED ’09). “I’m willing to pay it for the convenience.”
A glitch in Metro’s charging system resulted from the fare increase earlier this week. On Sunday and Monday, 23,000 Metro riders were charged a full bus fare when they used their SmarTrip cards instead of a discounted or free trip.
“Considering the complexity of implementing a fare increase, this has been a minor glitch. Overall, it’s been a smooth implementation,” Catoe said in a press release.
To make amends, Metro will offer free trips all day this coming Sunday and until noon on Monday to riders using SmarTrip cards. According to the press release, the error will cost the WMATA approximately $30,000.