Metro Could Increase Fares Next Year

Though the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority raised Metro fares last summer, riders could see another increase as soon as this July in an effort to make up for lost revenue and rising costs.

The Washington Post reports Metro needs to close a $124 million shortfall in fiscal year 2013,  a combination of growing expenses — including overtime and health care costs — and fewer riders: while bus ridership is expected to increase, a 2 percent decrease in those that use the subway system will cost the system $3 million, according to the Post.

The fiscal year begins July 1.

The last rate adjustment occurred during the summer of 2010, introducing a controversial tiered system that charged more for "peak" and "peak of peak" rides during rush hour.

A hike could be avoided if contributions from supporting jurisdictions in Virginia and Maryland increase, or, if Metro reconsiders other areas of its operation, such as costs for escalator and elevator repairs or a proposal for police patrol of buses.

For the full story from the Washington Post, click here.