The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority board announced that a fare increase will be required for the next fiscal year in order to keep pace with rising operating costs caused by inflation. The decision was reached during a meeting held on October 8, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
Board members said that operating expenses are growing faster than revenue and highlighted that some riders evade payment and must be held accountable. The session was the first board meeting since the agency previously proposed a fare increase for the upcoming year.