How NOT to run PT:Metro Proposes Fare Hike In January

[TZ]

WASHINGTON -- A few months after rejecting a fare increase, Metro General Manager John Catoe has gone into reverse and is proposing that a fare hike take effect in January.

In March, about two months after he took charge of the transit system, Catoe scrapped a complicated fare-increase plan. At the time, he mentioned a possible fare increase late next year. But Catoe now said Metro needs money more quickly.

The size of the increase has not yet been determined. Catoe said he would seek future increases that are tied to some kind of economic index, rising at regular intervals rather than by big jumps every few years.
http://www.nbc4.com/news/13550133/detail.html

Okay, DC's Metro subway USED to be one of the best transit system around. Now, its aging rapidly (so many escalators are out of comission its not funny) there are breakdowns, smoke in the tunnel and just general delays all the time. Not to mention the fact that the system is JAMMED half the time (not fun to travel in for a short person like me). And now they are gonna backtrack on raising fares? Its already pretty expensive. Its getting to the point where its almost not financially worth it to take Metro, unless you have an extreme commute!:mad:

[nxylas]

1. Maybe they need the money

Perhaps the other problems you mention were due to insufficient funding and the fare hike will help raise revenue for capital expenditure. But obviously, I don't live there, so you probably know more about it than I do.

[brooklynite]

2. WMATA has a complicated financial arrangement

It serves DC, Maryland and Virginia, each of which provides funding at different levels and with different formulas. Coming up with a uniform fare structure that fits the funding envelope is a complex undertaking.

[dropkickpa]

3. Pittsburgh is in similar straits

As are all transit agencies in PA. PAT just did a 25% service cut, was going to hike fares and then do another 10% service cut, but has held off because of some state funding that may come through. PAT's biggest expense? Retiree benefits. Full healthcare coverage for life is killing their budgets. I ride the bus daily, and even though I ride pretty busy routes to and from work, they made cuts there that are gonna be a huge fucking pain in the ass come school time. Prior to the cuts, the bus I ride in the morning (came every 7 minutes) would be at capacity by the 10th stop and would have to pass up riders. They've cut out a bunch of those buses, now coming every 14 minutes. It's going to be a complete clusterfuck, and I'm dreading the start of the school year. This bus serves 3 high schools (all start at the same time), 6 hospitals (their shifts all start around the same time as the schools), and the university of pittsburgh and CMU (pitt employee shifts start at the same time), all within 1 mile of each other.