“Metro seeks public input on FY23 budget proposal that would improve service and fares”

Prince Of Petworth January 24, 2022 at 12:05pm

From WMATA:

“The public comment period for Metro’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget is officially open, and Metro’s Board of Directors wants the public’s input. Metro is encouraging the public to share feedback before the comment period ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15.

The FY23 budget focuses on providing safe, reliable and affordable transit service to the region. The budget takes into account the planned launch of Metrorail service to six new Silver Line stations, expanding Metro access to Dulles Airport and beyond, and the opening of Potomac Yard Station on the Yellow and Blue lines.

The budget proposals also include a number of service improvements on Metrobus and Metrorail, fare changes to provide better value to riders, and a $2.3 billion capital budget to continue aggressive construction and rehabilitation projects that are foundational for safe and reliable service.

A summary of key proposals is below, with full information about the proposals and ways to provide feedback available at wmata.com/budget.

Metrorail Service Proposals

Support launch of rail service to seven new stations (Silver Line Phase II and Potomac Yard)
Make late evening service improvements that started in September 2021 permanent: Blue, Orange, Green, Yellow and Silver Line headways every 15 minutes (previously every 20 minutes) and Red Line every 10 minutes (previously every 15 minutes). Late evening frequencies start at 9:30 p.m. and operate seven days per week.
Make weekday service improvements that started in September 2021 permanent: Blue, Orange, Silver, Green and Yellow line trains every 10 minutes during rush hours (6:30-9:30 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.), every 12 minutes during middays and evenings until 9:30 PM. Also, improve Red Line headways to 6 minutes from up to 12 minutes on weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to provide consistent frequency with midday weekday service.
Improve Red Line rush hour frequency to every 5 minutes (previously every 6 minutes)
Improve weekend service frequencies on all lines: Red Line trains every 6 minutes (previously 8 minutes), and trains on all other lines every 12 minutes (previously 15 minutes)

Note: Due to the ongoing 7000-series railcar investigation, Metro customers can expect reduced rail service levels in early 2022. Service improvements would go into effect after 7000-series railcars return to service. Updates can be found here.

Metrobus Service Proposals

Make service increases that started in 2021 permanent, including:
- Frequent service network with buses scheduled every 12 or 20 minutes on 36 of the most popular Metrobus lines
- Increased service on 22 routes to address crowding
- Restored service to pre-pandemic levels on selected lines

Note: Due to pandemic-related operational and staffing issues, Metrobus is temporarily operating reduced service. More information is available here.

Fare Proposals

Make several fare changes that started in 2021 permanent
- Free bus transfers to/from rail ($2 transfer discount covers fare on most Metrobus routes)
- Cheaper weekend one-way Metrorail fares: $2 for any one-way trip all weekend
- Cheaper 7-day regional bus passes: 7-day regional bus pass for $12 and a senior/ disabled pass for $6
New fare improvements
- Cheaper late-night Metrorail fares: $2 for any one-way trip after 9:30 p.m.
- Cheaper monthly unlimited passes. Metrorail and Metrobus Unlimited Passes would cost $64-$192 instead of $72-$216, depending on the distance selected. (Price discount is based on 32 trips rather than 36 trips per month).
New fare promotions to last up to six months
- 50% off the 7-Day Unlimited Pass: Ride unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus for a week for $29.
- Get a $5 bonus in stored value for every $25 added to your SmarTrip card. That gives you $30 to ride Metrorail and Metrobus. Not applicable to pass purchases or SmartBenefits.

How to provide feedback

Online: Take a survey, provide written comments, and upload documents at wmata.com/budget
Public hearings: Participate in one of three public hearings in-person or virtually. The public hearings will be streamed online at wmata.com/budget and at Metro’s YouTube page. Click here for locations, dates, and more information about how to participate.

Public feedback will be provided to Metro’s Board of Directors as part of the final decision-making process. Any Board-approved changes will begin on or after the start of the FY23, which begins July 1, 2022.”