Metro looks to DC, Md., Va. leaders to fill $750 million funding gap

Randi Bass
·2 min read

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Leaders at the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) are “optimistic” about the system’s future amid a $750 million Metro budget shortfall, the system’s CEO Randy Clarke told reporters Thursday.

Metro is having to consider serious cuts to bus and rail service if funding requirements aren’t met soon. Since Metro sounded the alarm on the shortfall several months ago, leaders in D.C., Maryland and Virginia collectively pledged almost $500 million to help cover those costs.

WMATA CEO sounds alarm on Metro’s $750M budget shortfall

Budget woes first came up this past fall when Metro leaders started working on the budget for the 2024 Fiscal Year, which starts this summer.

On Thursday, House lawmakers in Maryland voted in favor of a bill that would allow for an extra $150 million in funding for Metro. D.C. leaders offered $200 million last month.

Clarke and other representatives from Metro traveled to Richmond earlier this week to meet with Virginia about funding for the transit system.

Metro considering ‘severe’ budget cuts; asking for input

Virginia’s proposed House budget would give $150 million to Metro, but the state Senate’s proposed budget released this week cuts that funding completely.

Clarke says he had good conversations with lawmakers there and he’s feeling hopeful leaders there will pull through.

“I think it’s been pretty clear they understand the value of Metro and that we need a stable, healthy Metro going forward,” Clarke said. “We look forward to them completing the budget process and we’ll stand ready to help in any way possible.”

Proposed WMATA budget includes 12.5% fare hike, avoids service reduction

When it comes to covering the rest of the budget shortfall, Clarke explained Metro has money in a preventive maintenance fund the system could tap into if necessary. There are also plans for less severe cuts to bus and rail service, along with plans to raise fares by 12.5%.

There are budget forums where riders can weigh in on proposed cuts and changes to service.

  • Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center in Maryland

  • Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. at WMATA Headquarters in Southwest D.C.

  • Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Arlington Co. Government Center in Virginia

  • A virtual forum will be held online Feb. 29 at noon

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