WASHIGTON | A Metro fare increase is taking effect. People riding the rail system Sunday can expect to pay a new off-peak base fare of $1.60, instead of the current $1.45. Come Monday morning, rush hour commuters will face a base fare of $1.95. They currently pay $1.75. Bus fares, meanwhile, are going from $1.25 to $1.50 for SmarTrip card users and from $1.35 to $1.70 for cash customers. A second phase of increases is planned for Aug. 1. An additional 20 cents will be added to rail fares at certain times during rush hour that are especially busy. Metro hopes this change will encourage riders to ride during less crowded times, alleviating congestion. In addition, there will be a 25-cent surcharge on all trips not paid for with a SmarTrip card.
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