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Yesterday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) began an online survey of riders to solicit their views on the agency’s budget and fare policies.

The surveys are part of a public outreach process that will include open houses and hearings, WMATA officials said in a prepared statement.

The survey, available at www.wmata.com/budget, asks riders for their thoughts on prioritizing services that support WMATA’s day-to-day rail, bus and MetroAccess services, as well as funding mechanisms and new fare options under consideration. For example, riders are asked for their opinions on a customized monthly pass, which would be priced according to a person’s usual commute; new short trip and fast-pass options; off-peak discounts; parking rates; and the “peak of the peak” surcharge, WMATA officials said.

The survey will remain open through March 12. WMATA’s board plans to host six public hearings in February and March in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Also yesterday, WMATA announced it will suspend trackwork during certain high-travel hours from March 24 through April 15 to accommodate visitors to D.C. for the annual cherry blossom season. On average, the agency’s ridership increases by more than 15 percent during the season.