Riders on the Washington DC-area Metro could see several changes to the system next year, from higher fares to new station signs and potentially free rides for children.
The biggest change under consideration is a proposed fare increase. Metro is looking at raising fares by about 11%, which would be the first systemwide increase since 2024.
The proposal comes as Metro faces higher costs from inflation and other expenses, while also working to address its future budget needs.
Metro is also considering whether children in the DC region could ride for free. Kids already ride for free while traveling in the District, and the proposal would extend free travel for Maryland and Virginia kids as well.
And riders will see a more visible change inside stations.
Metro is beginning a systemwide makeover of its signs, designed to make the system easier to navigate and create more consistency across stations.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Metro is looking at higher fares, free rides for kids and more
