• Who is the focus of the campaign?
• Why is it important for everyone to pay Metro fares?
• Why is Metro addressing fare evasion now?
• When will citations be issued?
• Why is the District now included in fare enforcement?
• Are citations criminal?
• Who will issue citations in November once the warning period concludes?
• Will Station Managers or Bus Operators (Drivers) issue citations?
• What if I cannot afford Metro fares?

Who is the focus of the campaign?

The October warning campaign is designed to (1) inform Metro customers that fare payment is required and expected to use Metrorail and Metrobus, (2) make the community aware of the varying fines and penalties associated with citations in each jurisdiction, and (3) prepare the community for citations that will be issued by Metro Transit Police (MTPD) after the warning campaign concludes. An adult who doesn’t pay fares will be the focus of the campaign. Back To Top

Why is it important for everyone to pay Metro fares?

Fare revenues contributed $213.5 million in FY22 to fund Metro operations. Metro conservatively estimates more than $40 million in revenue was lost in FY22 due to fare evasion on Metrorail and Metrobus, or about 22% of the projected deficit for the next Fiscal Year. The loss of funds directly impacts revenue, service offering and delivery, system maintenance, and operational decisions. Back To Top

Why is Metro addressing fare evasion now?

Nonpayment of fares hurts everyone and unfairly punishes those customers who follow the rules. This campaign will educate and warn fare evaders systemwide that there are consequences associated with nonpayment on Metrorail and Metrobus and identify the penalties associated with citations in each jurisdiction. Back To Top

When will citations be issued?

MTPD already issues citations in Maryland and Virginia. MTPD will issue fines systemwide to include the District in November. Back To Top

Why is the District now included in fare enforcement?

The District’s history with fare enforcement policy has been complex. Prior to this year, there was no mechanism for MTPD to issue citations in the District. Understanding the importance of fare recovery for Metro, WMATA Board Members and District leaders have worked together on a solution that makes enforcement consistent across the region.

Tickets are provided by each jurisdiction and until recent action in the District establishing an adjudication and appeals process, Metro did not have tickets to use in the District. Therefore, Metro did not have the ability to issue fare evasion citations in the District. Back To Top

Are citations criminal?

Citations issued in Maryland and Virginia are criminal offenses. Citations issued in the District are civil offenses. Those adults who don’t pay are subject to fines and other penalties associated with failure to pay. Back To Top

Who will issue citations in November once the warning period concludes?

MTPD will solely be responsible for issuing citations when people choose not to pay fares. Back To Top

Will Station Managers or Bus Operators (Drivers) issue citations?

No. Station Managers and Bus Operators (Drivers) have important responsibilities, including providing customer support for those who may have difficulty accessing the system because of SmarTrip® card/ mobile payment issues or unfamiliarity with our system. For their safety, they are not asked to confront customers about nonpayment related to fares. Back To Top

What if I cannot afford Metro fares?

Reduced Fares are available for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, and customers enrolled in Metro Lift. Learn more online or call 202-GO-METRO