Metrobus returns to regular weekday service; report shows 1 in 3 riders don't pay fare

Metrobus returns to regular weekday service following COVID-19 related staff shortages

Metrobus returned to regular weekday service Monday. Bus service had been operating on a modified Saturday schedule at 75 percent service since January 10 due to COVID-related staffing shortages.

WASHINGTON - Metrobus returned to regular weekday service Monday. But that does not mean all Metrobus riders paid their way.

According to a new report, officials estimate that through the first half of fiscal year 2022, 34% of Metrobus riders have not paid. That’s roughly one out of every three people.

It’s a big increase over 14% in 2019, which was the last full year pre-pandemic, and it’s a massive increase over just three percent in 2016.

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"Fare evasion continues to present challenges to WMATA, negatively impacting the Authority’s financial position," according to the report.

Metro admits the new numbers may actually be an undercount, and they hope new technology already being rolled out may be able to help.

Officials also plan to work with jurisdictions on helping low-income people who can’t afford to pay the fare.

Buses were operating on a modified Saturday schedule at 75% service since Jan. 10 due to COVID-related staffing shortages. In fact, Metro officials said when you combine fare evasion for both Metrobus and rail, you’re talking $10 million lost so far this fiscal year.

The report is scheduled to be discussed at a board meeting later this week.

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"I want to thank our customers for their patience as we took swift action to protect the health and safety of riders and employees in the face of the unprecedented covid surge, which has impacted about 10 percent of our workforce since the holidays," said Metro General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld.

Wiedefeld declining COVID-19 cases prompted the return to full service. He said the transit agency will deploy additional buses when possible to help increase capacity on busy lines.

"We look forward to providing more service to help the region recover from a particularly challenging period of this pandemic. Our members are eager to resume full bus service to our communities," said ATU L689 President Ray Jackson. "We will continue to do all that we can to protect workers, our families, and our passengers through this pandemic, while keeping the region moving."