Washington Metro offers reduced fares for low-income riders

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has announced the launch of a new income-qualified reduced fare programme which will cut the price of bus and rail trips in half for some residents.

The Metro Lift initiative was approved by WMATA’s Board of Directors in April and aims to promote transit equity and affordability in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.

Low-income customers who qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) can enrol for the scheme from 20 June.

“Our priority is making transportation accessible for all customers,” said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke.

“The savings from this programme will give our customers opportunities to access jobs with higher wages, travel to medical appointments and access more of the region.

“We understand that every dollar counts, and that accessibility to reliable, affordable transportation is a difference maker, especially in this region.”

Half price

Eligible participants will receive a 50 percent discount on Metrorail and Metrobus fares, and applicants must demonstrate that they are current recipients of SNAP benefits in the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area.

Approximately 471,000 people in the region receive SNAP benefits, including those already enrolled in other reduced fare programmes.

These existing customers will continue to receive the same discounted fares and are not required to enrol in Metro Lift.

Metro already provides those aged 65 and over and disabled riders with half-price fares, while all D.C. area schoolchildren receive free transit use through the Kids Ride Free programme.

The fare discount will remain valid for one year after enrolment, accessible within 48 hours for people who enrol online and immediately for those who enrol in-person.

WMATA will gather customer feedback to refine the programme and plans to expand enrolment locations in the future.

About half of Metrobus riders and 15 percent of Metrorail riders will be eligible, according to agency estimates, with the fare cut projected to cost Metro about US$4 million annually.

The agency estimates that 17 of the country’s 50 largest transit agencies have adopted a low-income assistance programme.

Image: WMATA