They haven’t been raised since 1990, and are way below fare rates in other major cities…The low rates have contributed to the poor maintenance of our Metrorail system, why in turn is why the Feds don’t want to give us money to build new Metrorail lines, being as how we obviously can’t even afford to take reasonably good care of the system we have.

Most importantly, the feds evaluate a transit system’s financial stability by, among other things, the percentage of operating expenses versus fares generated. Our system is bad, and getting worse
by this measure. The new fare increases will help solve this problem, and automatically increase with inflation every 3 years, thus removing the politically unpopular task of raising fares, or so the theory goes.

The new rate structure might also raise parking rates in Metrorail staion parking lots, which would also be a good thing.

Even with the fare increases, Transit will still be the cheapest ride in town, no need to give away the store (although I must admit I
like the free metromover rides)