Metro Passes Largest Fare Hikes in Its History

In response, the board adopted a suggestion by Maryland board member Gordon Linton to consider refunds to customers when service does not meet certain criteria. Metro staff members have been directed to recommend a specific service guarantee policy.

Overall, board members said they tried to reflect riders' sentiments.

"The board has heard the comments from the riders, and this constrains the maximum fare for the long-distance rider, reduces the amount it goes up and keeps parking fees lower," said Maryland member Peter Benjamin, referring to the compromise adopted yesterday.

Virginia board member Christopher Zimmerman, who is also an Arlington County board member, said his constituents take short subway trips. But he voted for the compromise because it lessened the impact on long-distance riders, who would add to road congestion if they stopped taking Metro.

Still, the compromise puts too much burden on suburban riders who typically park at end-of-line stations and take longer trips, Kauffman said. Under the plan adopted yesterday, the maximum rush-hour fare per trip increases 60 cents to $4.50.

"The whole thing is predicated on an assumption that from Montgomery to Prince George's to Fairfax County, the long-distance riders are masochistic drones and will take the hit and keep on coming," Kauffman said.

A rush-hour trip from Rockville to Dupont Circle that now costs $3.50 will increase to about $4.20. Daily parking at Rockville will increase to $4.75. Total weekly increase to that park-and-rider: $10.75.

Looking to the future, the board also agreed to abide by a policy, starting in July 2010, for fare adjustments to occur every two years and to be linked to the biennial increase in the consumer price index for that period. Those actions would still be subject to public hearings.

Nearly three-fourths of the money from the plan adopted yesterday would come from the increase in rush-hour train fares, an additional 25 percent from increased parking charges, and 1 percent -- about $1 million -- from higher bus fares for riders who pay cash.

Reserved monthly parking would also increase by $10, to $55. That fee is in addition to the daily parking charge. After dozens of riders protested an earlier proposal to set aside more reserved parking spaces, the board voted yesterday against any such increase.

Although federal workers make up 34 percent of subway riders, Metro receives no federal dollars for its operating costs. Unlike other major transit agencies, it has no dedicated revenue source. Its operating cost is paid by fareboxes, revenue from advertising and parking and subsidies from local jurisdictions that Metro serves.

The big unknown is what riders will do. Kauffman, known for his pithy quips, said the plan was "institutionalizing a raw deal," referring to the inequality to long-distance riders. It was the last meeting for Kauffman, who has been on the board for 12 years.

The board and staff members gave him two standing ovations. Kauffman became emotional as he spoke of his pride in the Metro employees who kept working on Sept. 11, 2001. Even though then-D.C. Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey wanted Metro to shut down, "they stayed on the trains and stayed on the buses."