Remember to pay your fare before riding

If you don’t pay your fare, Metro Transit Police could fine you.
Vienna Station New Faregates

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Effective November 1, 2022, Metro began enforcing penalties for those riders who do not pay their fare on trains and buses. Fare evasion can be a crime in Maryland and Virginia and is a civil offense in Washington, DC. 

Fare evaders can incur the following fines:

Washington DC – $50
Maryland – Up to $100
Virginia – Up to $100

If you need more information on how to pay your fare and/or qualifying for programs that offer reduced fares, please visit https://www.wmata.com/fares/index.cfm.

Fare policy is a major issue as ridership and revenue have yet to recover from the pandemic. When someone avoids paying their fare, it hurts everyone. Metro counts on that revenue to keep buses, trains, and MetroAccess services running.

For more details, view the full press release here


Why is it important for everyone to pay Metro fares?

Fare revenues contributed $461.8 million in FY25 to fund Metro operations. Metro estimates that over $50 million in revenue was lost in FY25 due to fare evasion on Metrorail and Metrobus. The loss of funds directly impacts revenue, service offering and delivery, system maintenance, and operational decisions.
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Why is Metro addressing fare evasion now?

Nonpayment of fares hurts everyone and unfairly punishes those customers who follow the rules. This campaign will educate and warn fare evaders systemwide that there are consequences associated with nonpayment on Metrorail and Metrobus and identify the penalties associated with citations in each jurisdiction.
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When will citations be issued?

MTPD has been issuing citations in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia since November of 2022.
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Why is the District now included in fare enforcement?

The District’s history with fare enforcement policy has been complex. During a period prior to 2022, there was no mechanism for MTPD to issue citations in the District. Understanding the importance of fare recovery for Metro, WMATA Board Members and District leaders have worked together on a solution that makes enforcement consistent across the region.

Tickets are provided by each jurisdiction and until recent action in the District establishing an adjudication and appeals process, Metro did not have tickets to use in the District. Therefore, Metro did not have the ability to issue fare evasion citations in the District.
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Are citations criminal?

Citations issued in Maryland and Virginia are criminal offenses. Citations issued in the District are civil offenses. Those adults who don’t pay are subject to fines and other penalties associated with failure to pay.
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Will Station Managers or Bus Operators (Drivers) issue citations?

No. Station Managers and Bus Operators (Drivers) have important responsibilities, including providing customer support for those who may have difficulty accessing the system because of SmarTrip® card/ mobile payment issues or unfamiliarity with our system. For their safety, they are not asked to confront customers about nonpayment related to fares.
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What if I cannot afford Metro fares?

Reduced Fares are available for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, and customers enrolled in Metro Lift. Learn more online or Call 202-GO-METRO (202-466-3876, TTY 202-962-2033): Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Automated information is available 24/7.
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