Budget talks are still a few weeks off for the WMATA board, but the debate over a fare increase is already on.

The Riders Advisory Council told the board during its Thursday meeting that it shouldn’t increase fares next year. Instead, RAC vice chair Andrew Kierig says, the board should get creative.

One way would be to raise the trains’ $6 fare cap—but not the base fare—particularly as the Silver Line opens, creating even longer distances.

“Suburban commuters from Loudoun (County, Va.) and points west would, in effect, be subsidized by the overwhelming majority of Metrorail ridership,” Kierig wrote in his report to the board.

He also discouraged them from increasing bus fares, which he says would be disproportionately affect low-income riders.

.@kierig of @wmataRAC says while WMATA looks at fare increases every year, they should not do so this year. Encouraged the board to think creatively.
Especially against bus fare increase b/c of performance and inequity

— Jordan Pascale (@JWPascale) September 26, 2019

The Council advises the full board on policy and rider concerns. Kierig says ridership is down and service is less than optimal.

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld and board chair Paul Smedberg both said it was too early to discuss the budget. Wiedefeld will propose his budget in November.

Metro last increased fares in 2017, raising the base of peak rail fares 10 cents to $2.25. The fares rise to $6, depending on the distance. Off-peak rail fares increased 25 cents to $2 and rise as high as $3.85. Bus fares also went up 25 cents to $2.

Metro’s board generally looks at increasing fares every two years.

This story was originally published on WAMU.