With all of its current budgetary struggles, Metro’s certainly in need of some friends. Well, in what may be its most transparent grab for public support, you — yes, you! — can now pledge your undying friendship to the region’s major mass transit provider on Facebook.

In all seriousness, though, Metro seems to be using the ubiquitous social networking tool to engage its customers: the page has a discussion board set up, and Metro has already started a topic about “New Ways for Metro to Earn Money.” There’s also a caption contest, and a cute little video which explains the difference between capital and operating budgets.

It’s actually a bit surprising that Metro didn’t have a Facebook page until now. For an organization that is not only Twitter-literate, but also has been producing it’s own, lovable, low-budget YouTube videos for some time, it’s a little jarring that I wasn’t able to list Metro on my own list of friends — right alongside that kid I talked to for five minutes while waiting in line for the keg in college, and that guy from three jobs ago who I haven’t talked to in three years.

In an odd way, it kinda makes sense. After all, Metro is far from the only “friend” I’ve ever had that is constantly short of cash, keeps derailing off the tracks constantly, and looks to strangers on Facebook for the answers to modern life’s dilemmas. Welcome to the club, Metro!

I kid, WMATA, I kid. Just don’t do one of those 25 Random Things posts and tag everyone that rides Metrorail, OK?