metro

From WMATA:

“Today, the WMATA Board of Directors approved a $4.957 billion capital and operating budget which improves service while not raising fares.

The approved budget continues to fund Metro at levels where service is safe, frequent, and reliable. In recent years, Metro has seen increased ridership thanks to those tenets and expects that trend to continue with additional Metrorail service and a revamped bus network coming in June.

“We’ve now accomplished 48 months of ridership growth with continued increases to service and continuous improvements for customers,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “I want to thank our Board of Directors for their support of this budget and our jurisdictional partners in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Metro could not move the region without their collaboration and leadership.”

Metro has also done its part to become a leaner, more efficient organization by identifying $20 million in operational savings from bus scheduling, rail service, fleet management, and administrative savings.

“The Board commends the Metro senior team and staff for identifying opportunities to streamline and improve operations and achieve cost efficiencies across both service and administrative areas,” said Board Chair Valerie Santos. “Even during the significant budget challenges of recent years, Metro’s unwavering commitment to provide efficient, accessible, safe, and reliable excellent service guides the team’s work.”

Operational budget

The FY2026 Operating Budget is $2.498 billion and supports the launch of the Better Bus Network Redesign in year one, which introduces 11 new routes to the Frequent Service Network, expands midday, evening, and weekend service, and enhances connectivity to transit stations, employment centers, and key destinations.

Metrorail changes effective Sunday, June 22

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photo by Fritz Myer

From WMATA:

“In alignment with Metro’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the Metro Board of Directors has adopted a banning policy, which will take effect on June 2, 2025, or on a later date as may be necessary for all administrative processes to be in place.

The purpose of the banning policy is to prohibit a person who commits a sex or sex-related crime or any assault on a Metro employee, contractor, or customer from entering or using the Metro system, properties, or facilities for more than 24 hours.

Currently, MTPD may ban a person for up to 24 hours if they violate the passenger conduct rules in Metro’s Tariff, which includes abusive, unacceptable, or unsafe conduct.

Under the new policy, the banning period will apply as follows: (more…)

via WMATA If you missed our earlier look back on commemorative smartrip cards, you can see them here.

From WMATA:

“Metro ready to move crowds for cherry blossom season, will celebrate with train, bus wraps and special edition SmarTrip card

Metro is gearing up for cherry blossom season when more than 1.5 million people visit the region each year.

Metro is joining in on the festivities with the return of the cherry blossom-wrapped train and buses, a new commemorative SmarTrip card, and five consecutive weeks of no major track work. (more…)