Washington D.C.'s Metro officials released documents Monday proposing an 11.1% fare increase for Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro Access services. Southern California's Metrolink also implemented fare adjustments on Monday, marking the regional rail system's first price increase in 13 years.

The Metro proposal would increase Metrorail fares from a range of $2.25–$6.75 to $2.50–$7.50. Standard Metrobus fares would rise from $2.25 to $2.50 under the plan. Metro officials stated the proposed fare increase is driven by inflation and rising operating costs.

Metro documents state the increased fares will “improve customer convenience, support long-term revenue sustainability,” and “enhance operational flexibility.” The agency last increased fares in July 2024, when they were raised by 12.5%. In 2023, Metro eliminated peak fares on Metrorail, aligning them with off-peak rates.

The proposal includes changing parking fees based on lot usage, setting prices at $3 for low-usage lots, $5 for medium-usage lots, and $7 for high-usage lots. Metro is considering ending the late-night discount on weeknights and removing the $3.75 cap on weekends and late nights. Metro officials stated that ending the late-night discount would generate $1.6 million in revenue. Removing the price cap on weekends and late nights could yield $7 million in revenue, according to agency figures.

Metro officials stated the fare increases could generate an additional $40 million to $45 million in revenue. The Metro Board of Directors’ finance committee is scheduled to discuss the proposal at a Thursday meeting. The proposal would make free rides standard for children ages 5 to 18 living in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia in fiscal 2028.

Metro says it could begin offering free rides for all kids and teens ages 5-18 next year if it receives additional funding from Virginia and Maryland. Children age 4 and younger currently ride free on Metro in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Metrolink fares for one-way tickets and the SoCal Day Pass increased on Monday. Metrolink one-way ticket prices increased by an average of 14%. The Metrolink SoCal Day Pass now costs $19 on weekdays and $12 on weekends and holidays.

The weekday SoCal Day Pass increased from $15 to $19, representing a nearly 27% increase. The weekend and holiday SoCal Day Pass increased from $10 to $12. The Metrolink L.A. Zone Pass price will remain at $5.

Metrolink officials cited rising operating and maintenance costs, reduced post-pandemic ridership, and declining state and federal funding as reasons for the fare increase. Metrolink's 2026 fare hike is attributed to declining state and federal funding, pandemic-related ridership losses, and rising operating costs, according to agency officials. The Metrolink Board of Directors approved the fare adjustments in June.

Metrolink's fare changes were approved by the Metrolink Board of Directors in June 2026, as part of a broader effort to address financial sustainability concerns. Metrolink has operated under a simplified fare structure since July 2025.

Metrolink officials stated that nearly 80% of one-way ticket purchases will increase by no more than $1. Prices for Metrolink's 5-Day Flex Pass and monthly passes will change based on the agency's pricing model. Metrolink will continue discounts for students, youths, seniors, riders with disabilities, veterans, active-duty military members, Medicare recipients, and low-income customers.

Why It Matters

The simultaneous fare adjustments in Washington D.C. and Southern California reflect broader financial pressures facing U.S. regional transit systems. Metro officials noted that any fare increase can create barriers for riders during periods of rising costs. The Census Bureau reported that the population of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area grew by 1.2% between 2020 and 2025, which may contribute to increased demand for public transportation services like Metro. Primary source: census.gov

Both agencies cited declining government support and post-pandemic ridership trends as key factors. The changes impact millions of daily commuters across two major metropolitan areas, with Metro serving the Washington region and Metrolink operating eight lines across six Southern California counties.

Timeline

Metro last increased fares in July 2024, when they were raised by 12.5%. The Metrolink Board of Directors approved the fare changes and permanently adopted Metrolink’s simplified fare structure on June 2026.

What's New

Additional reporting provides further context on the rationale behind the fare changes. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said, “Metrolink has worked hard to keep fares affordable while the cost of operating and maintaining our regional rail system has continued to rise.” Kettle added, “These pricing adjustments are one step in a broader effort we are taking to responsibly address those pressures and support Metrolink's long-term financial sustainability, while preserving a simpler fare structure and the valuable discounts that make our service more accessible to riders across Southern California.” Yeoman said "Metrolink is facing higher operating and maintenance costs, slower than anticipated post-pandemic ridership growth and declining state and federal funding support." The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has provided funding to support paratransit services like Metro Access, which are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Metro Access has used a 2x equivalent fare structure since July 2010, where fares are set at twice the cost of the fastest equivalent fixed-route transit option. Metro Access has used a capped fare structure since July 2023, where customers pay 2x the equivalent fixed-route transit option, up to a maximum of $4.50. Yeoman said any fare increase can create an added barrier for riders - especially when costs are rising in every facet of life right now.