Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 12, 2016

Metro invites public to comment on proposed budget, new proposed fare passes

Metro is inviting the public to provide feedback on the proposed FY2017 Operating Budget as well as the Capital Improvement Plan and Federal Grant Applications. Metro values the input of its customers and the Metro Board will take all comments into consideration prior to adopting the budget.

The budget proposal includes no fare increases and no service reductions. 

The public is encouraged to comment by 9 a.m., Monday, February 29, 2016:

  • Take an online survey at wmata.com/budget.
  • Provide feedback to staff the following locations/dates*:

- Rosslyn Station, Tuesday, February 16 from 4-7 p.m.
- Fort Totten Station, Wednesday, February 17 from 4-7 p.m.
- Anacostia Station, Thursday, February 18 from 4-7 p.m.

  • Email comments to writtentestimony@wmata.com
  • Attend the formal public hearing on Monday, February 22* at 6:30 p.m., with an information session at 6:00 p.m.

Metro Headquarters Building
600 Fifth St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
(via Metrorail: Gallery Place or Judiciary Square)

*Note that dates may change due to weather and check wmata.com/budget for any schedule changes.

To view the full docket and for more information about the operating and capital budget, visit wmata.com/budget.

Several key initiatives are also being considered as follows:

  • Elimination of SmarTrip® Loading on Metrobus
  • University Pass (U-Pass)
  • Bus/Rail Combo Pass
  • Same Station Entry/Exit Grace Period


In addition to paying bus fares with a SmarTrip® card or with cash, Metrobus passengers may currently ‘load’ funds onto their SmarTrip® cards at the bus farebox. While convenient for riders, this also slows the boarding process. Metro is considering the elimination of SmarTrip® loading on Metrobus to increase bus speeds, improve the customer experience and reduce costs. The primary disadvantage of removing the loading ability is that it would eliminate a customer benefit for those riders – notably lower-income, bus-only riders – who may have difficulty accessing the other methods of adding funds to their SmarTrip® cards. Making such a change without providing any mitigation (such as additional retail availability, off-board loading kiosks, or other means) could present Title VI equity concerns.

Metro is also evaluating the addition of new Bus/Rail pass products to increase ridership. The University Pass (U-Pass) would offer unlimited riding privileges on both Metrobus and Metrorail at substantially discounted rates to full-time students at accredited colleges and would require 100 percent student participation. In addition, Metro is considering new bus/rail combo passes, in particular adding free bus service to the existing 7-day short trip rail pass.

In concurrence with the recommendation of the Riders’ Advisory Council, Metro is proposing a 15-minute entry/exit grace period at Metrorail stations. Customers who enter and exit at the same station are currently charged the base rail fare of $2.15 in the peak and $1.75 in the off-peak. Under the proposal, customers who enter and exit the same station within the grace period would not be charged. (The customer would receive a credit for the base rail fare to offset the amount charged.)

Metro’s fiscal year 2017 budget and any approved changes would take effect in July.

Additional Information

The survey results, along with written statements and public hearing comments will be part of the official public hearing record and submitted to the Board for consideration and approval.

The location for public hearing and outreach locations are wheelchair accessible. Any individual who requires special assistance such as a sign language interpreter or additional accommodation to participate in the public hearing, or who requires these materials in an alternate format, should call 202-962-2511 or TTY: 202-962-2033 as soon as possible in order for Metro to make necessary arrangements. For language assistance, such as an interpreter or information in another language, please call 202-962-2582 at least 48 hours prior to the public hearing date.

How to register to speak

All organizations or individuals desiring to be heard with respect to these two dockets will be afforded the opportunity to present their views and make supporting statements and to offer alternative proposals. In order to establish a witness list, individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to be heard at this public hearing are requested to furnish in writing their name and organizational affiliation, if any, via email to speak@wmata.com.  The request may also be mailed to the Office of the Secretary, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, or can be made by calling 202-962-2511.

Please submit only one speaker's name per letter. Lists of individual speakers will not be accepted. Please note that all comments received are releasable to the public upon request, and may be posted on WMATA’s website, without change, including any personal information provided. Public officials will be heard first and will be allowed five minutes each to make their presentations. All others will be allowed three minutes each. These limits apply regardless of whether the speaker is addressing one or more dockets. Relinquishing of time by one speaker to another will not be permitted.

How to submit written statements

Written statements and exhibits may be submitted to the Office of the Secretary, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 Fifth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 or emailed to writtentestimony@wmata.com. Please reference BUDGET in the subject line of your submission. All written comments must be received by 9 a.m. on Monday, February 29. Please note that all comments received are releasable to the public upon request, and may be posted on WMATA’s website, without change, including any personal information you provide.

News release issued at 3:13 pm, February 12, 2016.