Metro seeks input on proposed parking changes and peak rail fares for regional events

Metro is considering changes to parking fees and hours to respond to market trends and improve customer experience, as well as seeking the ability to charge regular (peak) rail fares during large-scale regional events in an effort to recover a portion of the extraordinary costs of providing rush-hour service levels and staffing costs to support such events.

On average, customers would pay less than $1 more each way for peak service. The higher fares would cover some--but not all--of the cost of the additional service and reduce the impact of large-scale events on Metro's budget. Importantly, Metro does not have a "rainy day" fund or other mechanism to support additional service for special events, which can result in reductions in other areas of the budget.

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposals, which include:

• Adjustments to parking fees, operating hours and new payment technology. This includes adjusting hours when parking fees are charged to align with Metrorail hours of operation; charging parking fees (up to weekday fees) during large regional events, Saturday, Sundays, and federal holidays; the use of new payment options such as mobile apps or online reservation systems; and multi-day parking fees. Learn more about proposed parking changes
• Charging regular (peak) rail fares on days when peak service and additional operational support are needed to support large-scale regional events, such as Inauguration Day. Learn more about this proposal

Customers may provide comments on the parking changes and peak rail fare for regional events online or in person, by 9 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018:

• Take a survey and provide your comments
  
• Attend an open house at 5:30 p.m. and Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at:

Metro Headquarters
600 5th Street NW
Washington DC 20001

*Speaker registration is onsite only.

Public feedback on both of these proposals will be provided to Metro's Board of Directors as part of the final decision making process. The two proposals will be considered separately and any Board-approved changes would begin in 2019.

HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY NOT AT THE PUBLIC HEARING

Testimony about this proposal may be submitted online via a survey at wmata.com/hearings. The survey will open by 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018 and will close on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 9 a.m. The survey will also provide the opportunity to submit freeform comments. This is in addition to your ability to speak at a public hearing. For those without access to computers or internet, testimony may also be mailed to the Office of the Board Secretary, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. All comments must be received by the Office of the Secretary by 9 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018 to be included in the public record.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The locations for all Metro public hearings are wheelchair accessible. Any individual who requires special assistance such as a sign language interpreter or additional accommodation to participate in the public hearing, or who requires these materials in an alternate format, should call (202) 962-2511 or TTY: 202-962-2033 as soon as possible in order for Metro to make necessary arrangements. For language assistance, such as an interpreter or information in another language, please call (202) 962-2582 as soon as possible prior to the public hearing date.

The docket and supporting documents can be found online at wmata.com/hearings. In addition, information will be provided in Metrorail stations, on Metrobus vehicles, and at area libraries.

For those without access to computers or internet, note that copies of the docket in its entirety can be requested from Metro's Office of the Secretary by calling 202-962-2511.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the project team at 202-962-2511 or TTY: 202-962-2033 at least 48 hours prior to the public hearing date.

Please note that all statements are releasable to the public upon request, and may be posted on WMATA's website, without change, including any personal information provided.