WMATA Planning $1.4 Billion in Safety, Reliability Improvements
Metro says its $3.4 billion proposed capital and operating budget "prioritizes safety and compliance, investing $1.4 billion through Metro's Capital Improvement Program for safety and reliability improvements, rebuilding the Metro system and improving the effectiveness of the current rail and bus network."
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the transit agency serving Washington, D.C., and the region, is seeking public input on its fiscal year 2020 budget proposal. The agency, known as Metro, has proposed a $3.4 billion capital and operating budget proposal that it promises would make the system "better than good" by expanding rush hours, extending service on the Yellow and Red lines, and enhancing the value of its unlimited rail and bus passes.
Metro also said its proposed budget "prioritizes safety and compliance, investing $1.4 billion through Metro's Capital Improvement Program for safety and reliability improvements, rebuilding the Metro system and improving the effectiveness of the current rail and bus network."
Key initiatives that are being considered include expanded weekday rush hours to provide more frequent service later in the morning and evening from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; running all eight-car trains; implementing a $2 weekend flat fare on Metrorail, excluding special events; and reducing the cost of the seven-day bus pass from $17.50 to $15.
The agency is accepting comments on the proposal, online, in person, or by mail, until 9 a.m. Feb. 11. It has two more open houses and public hearings scheduled for Jan. 31 at the Greenbelt Library and Feb. 5 at its headquarters building, 600 5th St NW.