
Photo by Victoria Pickering
From WMATA:
“Metro expects to avert service cuts and layoffs that had been proposed in its FY22 budget thanks to new federal relief approved by Congress.
“Congress has once again stepped up to address the needs of Metro and the regional transit systems that will be critical to our region’s economic recovery,” said Metro Board of Directors Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “While it will take more time to work out all the details, including Metro’s exact share of this funding, the $1.4 billion provided by the American Recovery Plan for our region’s transit agencies will allow us to avert the painful service reductions and layoffs that were on the table.”
Smedberg continued, “More than 18,000 individuals have provided Metro’s Board of Directors with feedback on our FY22 budget, and that feedback is enormously helpful as we plan for the future. We will continue the public comment period – including virtual public hearings – through March 16, and we expect to vote on a revised FY22 budget in April that takes into consideration this new federal relief.”
Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld said, “This relief is only possible thanks to the leadership of our entire congressional delegation, who fought tirelessly for transit workers and riders.”
also from WMATA:
“Beginning Sunday, March 14, Metrobus riders will see more service every day of the week as bus ridership continues to outpace rail during the pandemic’s recovery. Changes will be implemented on 59 Metrobus routes serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, offering improved service, enhancing reliability, and helping to alleviate crowding. (more…)