Metro rail and bus fares will increase starting Sunday

Metro fares are going up starting Sunday — thanks to a $750 million budget gap that was recently plugged.

Why it matters: Metro says most trips will cost about 12.5% more in an effort to keep up with inflation.

Metrobus fares will be $2.25 and Express bus will be $4.80.

• Metrorail fares on weekdays will range from $2.25 to $6.75, depending on the trip distance.
• The flat $2 Metrorail fare for late night (after 9:30pm) and weekend service will go up to between $2.25 and $2.50.
• MetroAccess will have a cap of $4.50.

Senior SmarTrip cards and reduced fare programs like MetroLift will still get half-off fares.

Flashback: Metro raised some fares last year, but the last general increase was in 2017.

• The hikes come after a tough budget year.
• Metro avoided major cuts to service , thanks to local governments pitching in more funding in April. But riders will pay more and Metro is undertaking a study to redesign bus service.