Washington DC Discovers 64% Of Riders Don’t Pay Bus Fares. Their Apparent Solution? Punish The Ones Who Do

Washington’s Metro is weighing higher bus fares and significant service cuts as it faces a budget deficit, with general manager Randy Clarke saying the agency may still be short of funds even after a planned fare rise. The options matter because deeper cuts could affect passengers’ daily journeys, while increasing fares would place more of the cost on riders who pay.

Metro reports that 64% of bus riders evade fares, despite efforts to encourage payment by card or smartphone. Rail fares could rise by 11.1% from July 2027; Clarke also cited inflation, tariffs and rising fuel and electricity costs, alongside subsidies that have not kept pace. He is due to present a proposed 2028 budget in December, with details on possible fare increases and cuts to rail, bus and Metro Access services.