DC Metro proposing fare hike

The Washington, D.C., Metrorail subway system is proposing a 3 percent fare hike next year, the Washington Post reports.

The fare increase proposal would add 10 cents to the cost of an average train ride on the subway system, which is the second busiest transit network in the country and charges for trips by distance traveled.

The recommendation also calls for the cost of a Metrobus trip to be increased to $1.75 and rates for parking at Metro train station garages to be increased by 25 cents, according to the paper.

{mosads}The increase would be Metro’s first fare hike in two years.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager Richard Sales told the paper that the fare increase was a reasonable proposal.

“Let’s put it in perspective,” Sarles said. “It’s a dime on the average fare. Three percent is a little lower than inflation. … And what I’m in a better position to do this year than I was two or three years ago is to say: Look at the improvements we’ve been making.”

The increase proposal comes as passengers have complained about mechanical breakdowns on capital area subway system in recent months.

The Washington, D.C., Metrorail trails only the New York City subway system in average number of daily passengers among U.S. public transportation networks.