Photo by ep_jhu.This morning, WMATA released a presentation [PDF] which presents various potential alterations to the system’s complex bus and rail fare structures.
Because of the system’s “complex, not easy to determine and difficult to explain to others” far structures, the presentation’s introduction reads, “it was deemed necessary to evaluate what possible fare structures would need to be supported by the new open payment system.” The presentation — which is “for information purposes only,” with each slide stating “concept under evaluation, not a proposal” — outlines several ideas, including the institution of higher fares for “Metro Express” limited stop bus routes, an integrated transfer system between rail and bus, unlimited monthly passes, the elimination of the incredibly unpopular Peak of the Peak surcharge on rush hour rail trips, a zone system for rail fares, and a simple, flat fare for Metrorail trips.
According to the presentation, there are currently 44,376 possible fare combinations for its riders.
“This is a conceptual discussion driven by the new fare payment project — not anything budget related,” said Metro spokesperson Dan Stessel. “We’re exploring the question of whether a simpler fare structure would be something the Board would be willing to consider and what such a structure might look like.”
Conceptual, indeed. Obviously, the ideas presented would have to be hammered out over the span of months, if not years, before being implemented. The presentation notes that a deadline for next steps has been set for early next year, but Stessel said that revising the fare structure will take lots of time.
“A timeline beyond January 2012 has not yet been established,” he said.
