Beginning on March 1, 2010, you, I and everyone else using WMATA will pay more to use it. Last week the Metro Board of Directors voted to implement a 10 cent fare increase for the months of March, April, May and June of this year. The increase, which in theory is temporary, will raise nearly $10 million, helping bridge a budget gap which totals $40 million. And that's just for this fiscal year. I suspect the surcharge will become permanent.What that means for most of us in the city is: rush hour base subway fare will increase to $1.75 and riding the bus with Smartrip will increase to $1.35. If you still use cash to ride the bus, you'll pay $1.45. See full details on the official press release.
Let's say you take a short subway ride or bus ride to work. Throw in six casual transit rides a week. That's less than $5 more dollars per month to ride Metro bus and rail.
I can live with it. I know Metro has it's fair share of management issues. And equipment equipment issues. And recently, serious operator issues. But one of the things they do need is money. Money to maintain the equipment we already have, money to increase the safety of the system and money to maintain and increase the services offered. I am willing to pay even more. What about you?
