D.C. Metro customers will face a 12.5% fare increase on most routes starting Sunday, June 30.

While Metro increased fares for some trips last year, its last general fare increase was in 2017, according to a news release. 

This “will help keep fares in line with cost of living adjustments and allows us to keep running our current levels of service,” the release said. 

Regular Metrobus fares will increase from $2 to $2.25. 

Metrorail weekday fares will range from $2.25 to $6.75, depending on the distance traveled, while fares after 9:30 p.m. and on weekends will increase from $2 to between $2.25 – $2.50.

MetroAccess fares will also rise to $4.50. 

However, reduced fare programs such as MetroLift and senior discounts will still receive a 50% discount off regular fares.

In addition, monthly unlimited passes will increase from $64 – $192 or $72 – $216, depending on the distance traveled.

In April, the WMATA Board of Directors approved a $4.8 billion budget, yet Metro proposed service cuts in response to a $750 million deficit.

The transit system attributed its operating deficit to reduced subsidies, inflationary pressures, and pandemic-related revenue declines.

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With an additional $463 million ($200 million from D.C., $119.4 million from Virginia, and $143.3 million from Maryland), Metro confirmed no service cuts but announced a freeze on hiring and wages. 

It aims to address the deficit by cutting administrative costs by $50 million and reallocating $181 million from its preventive maintenance fund.