Some Virginia lawmakers want to split Metro funding with the Northern Virginia jurisdictions Metro serves.

The transit agency will need to build a coalition of local elected officials, business groups, and more to advocate for funding and avoid dire cuts.

A late-night flat fare, a $5 SmarTrip bonus, and reduced rate monthly passes are among the changes outlined in the agency’s proposed budget.

The budget could change dramatically depending on the trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic.

It’ll cost a minimum of $2.25 to ride Metrorail during peak hours and $2 for Metrobus, among other changes approved today.

Metro made some small changes to its 2018 “Reality Check” budget, which will be reviewed by its board’s finance committee on Thursday.

“Metro has to face reality when it comes to what the region says it can afford and direct those resources to best serve the riders we have today,” Paul Wiedefeld said.

Instead of $150 million, Metro will only get $100 million from the federal government for safety upgrades.

Proposed changes include extending the hours of collection at parking facilities.

But a final budget vote will happen this spring.