It’s been more than six years since Metrobus in D.C. suspended fare collection to reduce contact between drivers and passengers and required riders to board through the rear doors in March 2020. During the pandemic, the DC Circulator also suspended fares, making those buses free.
And while the “ride for free” policy ended on Jan. 3, 2021, you might not know it, given the huge number of bus riders in D.C. who continue to board buses and take their seats without paying the fare.
Now, according to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) officials, the party is over with the agency recently launching a campaign aimed at cracking down on those who still believe it’s okay to ride without paying.
Nearly 70% of riders are not paying fares, officials report, and it’s costing the transit system an estimated $50 million annually in lost revenue.
Still, many riders are taking their chances, playing Russian Roulette as they either hop Metrorail faregates or ignore the utterances of drivers who must now, often reluctantly, remind riders, “the fare is $2.25.”
For those who insist on bucking the system, you may find yourself being removed from the bus by local police, given a citation, which in D.C. is a $50 fine and civil offense, or a criminal violation in Maryland and Virginia with a fine of up to $100 and the possibility of arrest.
And if you have an outstanding warrant, chances are you’ll be hauled off to jail.
Fare evaders are also being recorded by Metro Transit Police Department in efforts to ensure compliance, particularly on routes like Silver Spring, Anacostia, Minnesota Avenue, and New Carrollton, which officials have identified as high-evasion routes.
So, if you’re low on funds and don’t want to get a ticket, incur a fine, or get a one-way ride to jail, you may want to just stay home.
Because the only free ride you can now count on, is a trip to the local hoosegow.
