DC council overrides mayor's veto on fare evasion decriminalization bill

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - The D.C. council voted on Tuesday to override the mayor's veto of the fare evasion decriminalization bill.

Last week, Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed the bill, despite its broad support among council members.

The bill changes the penalty of fare evasion from a criminal to a civil offense - punishable by a $50 fine.

The bill passed the council by a 10-2 vote on Dec. 4, and Tuesday's veto override vote passed by 11-2.

Metro adamantly opposed the bill, saying it loses $25 million a year on people not paying their bus fare, and another $25 million on people evading their Metro fare.