Source: Washington Examiner

Soon after Metro has raised its fare by 10 cents, it has announced fresh 6 new public hearings to get citizen input for proposed fare hikes and service cuts.

Metro will hold a series of six public hearings in March and April to get public input on a variety of options for how the transit agency should close a $189 million budget gap in fiscal year 2011. The projected deficit is largely due to increased expenses and losses in revenue from lower than expected ridership – says Metro’s website.

Possible fare increases being considered for FY2011 include increasing the Metrorail peak period boarding charge from $1.65 to up to $2,  maximum peak period fare from $4.50 to up to $5:45 and increasing the bicycle locker yearly rental fee from $70 to up to $200.

Service reductions being considered for FY2011 include increasing intervals between trains and buses, beginning rail service later in the mornings and eliminating some low-ridership bus routes or portions of routes.

Changes to MetroAccess service being considered for FY2011 include reducing the service area  and charging a premium for service provided to location and restricting the use of the Free Ride Program.