Metro board members continue to probe the public for feedback as they address how to close their budget gap.
In a public forum Wednesday night in Reston, the Virginia members of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority board discussed their $3.1 billion proposed FY2018 budget.
Board members estimate $17 billion will be needed over next decade “just to maintain a state of good repair,” but also acknowledge that the impact of delays associated with the SafeTrack program are significant.
DC CFO estimates Metro delays led to:
— lost productivity between $153 million and $235 million annually in the region
— ridership declines that reduce Metrorail’s fare box recovery
Like a 40 year old house, Metro maintenance cannot be deferred, notes WMATA board member Cathy Hudgins. Join us @RestonChamber now. pic.twitter.com/bmQuOffaad
— NVTC (@NoVaTransit) January 26, 2017
Proposed investments, totaling $1.25 billion, outlined by board members to help make Metro more safe and reliable include new 7000 Series railcars;Â replacement buses and paratransit vehicles; rehabilitation and maintenance of existing railcar and bus fleets; rehabilitation and replacement of track and structures, rail power, radio/wireless and bus garages; and reinvestment in station escalators, elevators, lighting and platforms.
How do we make Metro safe & reliable? WMATA board member @Paul_Smedberg shares ideas. Learn more now @RestonChamber. Meeting open to public pic.twitter.com/dWF4iWpCKL
— NVTC (@NoVaTransit) January 26, 2017
Proposed capital funding from Fairfax County for the FY2018 Metro budget is $101 million, up $66 million from FY2017. Increased contributions in FY2018 include funds to repay short-term debt projected to be used in FY2017.
Proposed operational funding from Fairfax County in FY2018 is $138.6 million, a 17 percent increase from the current fiscal year.
The proposed budget also features fare hikes including:
- 10 cents on rush-hour rail fares, 25 cents on non-rush-hour fares
- 25 cents on regular and express Metrobus fares
- $2.75 on Dulles Airport Metrobus fares
Service frequency would also be adjusted in the following ways:
- 8-minute frequency on Silver Line during weekday rush hour (up from 6)
- 15-minute frequency on all lines all other times (up from 12)
Metro has planned an open house Monday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to receive feedback on the budget. In addition, feedback can be provided via an online survey.
Photo via Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, charts via Metro FY2018 budget proposal
Recent Stories
Beaver munching on grass by Walney Pond in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey) Shake Shack proposed for Kamp Washington Shopping Center — “Fairfax City Board of Architectural Review approved…
Taim Mediterranean Kitchen is officially open in Reston (Photo courtesy taim). Taim Mediterranean Kitchen in Reston has permanently closed just four months after its opening. The New York-based chain, known…
Cat (staff photo by Vernon Miles) Cat declawing to be banned in Virginia — “Veterinarians will not be allowed to declaw cats in Virginia starting in July, unless there are certain…
The Knutson Companies is thrilled to announce new opportunities for Loudoun County living with the release of a new section of rooftop terrace townhomes and a brand new community of…