"DC Metro Budget: Minimal Service Cuts, Higher Fares Expected"

Metro is likely to avoid severe cuts after D.C., Maryland, and Virginia leaders pledged nearly half a billion dollars to make up for the transit system's budget shortfall. However, higher fares are expected, with proposed fare increases of 12.5 percent for both Metrorail and Metrobus, as well as fare hikes of up to 25 percent on late nights and weekends. The funding infusion would prevent station closures and major bus service cuts, but Metro will still need to take significant steps to close its remaining budget gap, including diverting preventive maintenance funds for operations and implementing a salary and wage freeze for managers and employees in two of its largest unions in fiscal year 2025.