Metro Seeks Input on Fare Hikes, Rider Priorities

Originally posted by Drew Hansen (Editor) 

Metro is reaching out to riders for comments on its proposed FY 2015 budget and Capital Improvement Program with an online survey.

The transit service is asking riders their priorities for maintenance and enhancements and how fare increases would affect their system usage.

Metro has proposed increasing rail fares by an average of 3 percent, a move that would add 10 cents to the cost of a typical train ride,according to The Washington Post.

If approved, the fare increase would take effect July 1.

Metro has also scheduled a series of hearings over the proposed budget, including two in Virginia—6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Hilton Springfield (6550 Loisdale Rd, Springfield) and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington).

The survey is open until 5 p.m. Feb. 11.

• Take Metro’s online survey

In other Metro news, the rail system has announced its major track work schedule for 2014. It includes some tough info for Old Town merchants: Three of the city’s stations—King Street-Old Town, Eisenhower Avenue and Van Dorn Street stations—will be closed Memorial Day weekend (May 24 and 25) for switch replacement.