Metrobus Fare Evasion Rates Remain High, Agency Considers Incentives

According to the latest report from the Metro transit agency, approximately seven out of ten Metrobus riders are not paying their fares. This statistic was shared by bus operators with News4, who have been instructed not to confront non-paying passengers to avoid possible confrontations.

The Metro agency emphasizes that enforcement measures are in place, with transit police officers and undercover plainclothes officers monitoring fare evasion daily, although the agency admits that it is more challenging to enforce on buses than on fixed rail stations. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that there are over 1,000 buses currently in circulation.

In response to the fare evasion issue, the Metro Board is set to meet and discuss potential strategies to encourage paid ridership. One proposal under consideration is to provide incentives in areas where paid ridership is already higher.

Furthermore, Metro has addressed previous rider complaints regarding fare box malfunctions by replacing all the fare boxes on their buses, ensuring that mechanical issues no longer hinder fare collection.

Comparable bus systems in surrounding areas are adopting different approaches. For example, DASH Bus in Alexandria has chosen to eliminate fares altogether, and Loudoun County has announced plans to abolish fares on certain routes starting next year. These jurisdictions are covering the costs associated with providing these free services.

The report and discussions around fare evasion come from coverage by News4, with Adam Tuss and the News4 team reporting on transportation issues directly affecting commuters.