Metro's fare increase decision: Metro decides to raise $40 million rather than $24 million through fare & fee hikes. Bus and rail fares to increase by $0.10, parking to increase by $0.75, rail hours extended on weekends. While the Metro board plans to raise fares across the board on rail and bus riders by 10 cents, parking fees will increase by 75 cents where current fees are $2.25. While we were unable to stave off a fare increase, higher parking fees have helped reduce the fare increase. Enhanced feeder bus service was not included in this Metro proposal. Metro does, however, plan to extend hours of operations - opening at 7 am on weekends and closing at 3 am on Friday and Saturday nights. While the Metro board originally considered generating $24 million from passenger revenues, the new fare structure will pay for $40 million. This covers the budget gap along with the added costs of extended hours and a $6 million escalator/elevator program. Metro reported that 73% of public comments supported parking fee increases, and 60% endorsed WRN's $2 parking fee increase proposal. While Maryland expressed opposition to any increase in parking fees, Metro Chairman Jim Graham (DC) supported the WRN $2 parking proposal which led to the compromise $0.75 increase.