Photo by Craig Moe
District residents have several opportunities this month tell Metro how they feel about paying higher fares and receiving slower service proposed in the transit system’s new budget proposal.
Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld announced his 2018 “Reality Check” budget last year. Facing declining ridership and a $290 million budget gap, he proposed fare increases for both Metrobus and rail, longer wait times on Metro, and eliminating some bus routes. The budget also calls for firing an “unprecedented” 1,000 people—some of whom have already gotten the axe.
Per Metro, the proposed fare increases include:
$0.10 increase for peak rail fares
$0.25 increase for off-peak rail fares
$0.25 increase for Metrobus fares (new fare will be $2.00 per ride)
Proposed service cuts include decreasing rail service during rush hours, off-peak hours, and on weekends. And Metro says in a release this is all in addition to ending late night rail service for at least another two years.
To close the budget gap, Wiedefeld asked for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to make a “shared sacrifice” and contribute a total of $130 million more than they did last year. All three jurisdictions have indicated that they will meet the request.
Metro also says the budget will fund things like its ongoing Wi-Fi installation, preventive track maintenance, and improving bus operations through new technology initiatives.
But the transit system wants to hear from the public before everything’s nailed down. Officials will give the feedback to Metro’s board of directors in March as part of the final decision making process.
The public can share their thoughts via an online survey until February 6 at 9 a.m. The survey can also be downloaded, filled out, and dropped in a survey collection bin near the faregates at any Metro station.
People can also give feedback to Metrorail staff until January 30—stations and times vary.
And there will be an open house on January 30 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., and a public hearing at 5 p.m. at Metro’s headquarters—people will be able to sign up to speak onsite.
