News

Bus Riders Protected In Metro Fare Proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Yuckenberg
(202) 727-5820

October 25, 2007

Washington, DC: The Metro Board voted today to approve for public fare hearings the District’s proposal that protects low income bus riders.

Metro staff originally asked to increase bus fares by up to 25 cents. Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) and other District leaders said this was too high. The public will now consider the District’s proposal to increase cash bus fares by no more than 10 cents.

Bus fares will stay the same for riders with smart trip cards. In addition, Metro will provide about 50,000 free smart trip cards to low income riders.

“We are protecting poor people who don’t have cars, can’t afford taxis, and have to take the bus for everyday needs,” said Graham.

In the region, 18% of bus riders have household incomes under $30,000 a year. By comparison, only 4% of rail riders have incomes under $30,000 a year.

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