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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