WMATA Installs New Faregates at All Metrorail Stations, Fareboxes on Buses

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA / Metro) has retrofitted more-secure faregates at all 98 Metrorail stations, leading to an 82 percent drop in fare evasion across the system. 

More than 1,200 five-foot-tall gates and taller fences have been installed across all stations. The project began in July 2023. 

“We have seen incredible results from the taller faregates,” said WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke. “We are never going to completely stop fare evasion, but these go a long way in addressing the problem.” 

WMATA has also recently completed the installation of new fareboxes across all 1,500 of its buses. Customers often could not pay on buses because of farebox malfunctions. Metro Transit Police regularly patrol bus loops and individual bus routes to enforce payment. 

Fare evasion is one of customers’ biggest concerns, according to Metro surveys. Customers said it made them feel unsafe and that it was unfair to those who paid fares. 

Fare evasion increased to record levels during the pandemic, leading to a loss of $40 million of fare revenue a year. Metro relies on those fares to help keep buses, trains, and MetroAccess services running. 

For those who need help paying, Metro has several fare-discount programs. Nearly 8,500 people have signed up for Metro Lift, a half-off fare program launched in June 2023 for low-income individuals enrolled in SNAP. Those over the age of 65 are eligible for half-off fares with a Senior SmarTrip card. Washington, DC, students are eligible for the Kids Ride Free program.