Metro To Pay Late-Night Workers To Use Uber/Lyft-Type Ridesharing

WASHINGTON, DC -- Metro workers who work late hours after trains have stopped running will have their rides subsidized by WMATA, the agency announced.

Metro released a statement Wednesday that said they would seek proposals to provide "subsidized on-demand transportation" for late-night workers.

"Under a one-year pilot program, Metro would subsidize trips taken with ride-hailing or taxi companies during late-night hours to support more cost-effective options for eligible workers, primarily in the hospitality and health care industries," the statement reads.

The service will be available seven days a week for trips within Metro's service area between midnight and 4 a.m. Metro will pay the first $3 of the fare for as many as 10 trips per week. The budget for the pilot program is $1 million.

“The system is safer and more reliable today as a result of the robust preventive maintenance work we are doing during those critical overnight hours,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld in the statement. “At the same time, we understand that Metro is a vital link for many late-night workers. That’s why we are looking at innovative ways to provide affordable transportation for workers while balancing our commitment to safety.”