Metro officials announced Tuesday that an upcoming $750 million budget gap could lead to drastic cuts in service.
The deficit is partially the result of reduced ridership and higher labor costs from the pandemic. It comes as federal pandemic relief funds are going away.
Starting in July 2024, riders could begin to feel the negative impacts of the budget gap. Currently, trains run every 6 to 12 minutes. Service cuts could mean that trains and buses might run every 20 to 30 minutes.
Additionally, train service could shut down at 9:30 p.m. This would make it difficult for people to use trains for nightlife or night games in Washington, D.C.
Cuts would also lead to increased overcrowding and decreased staffing within the WMATA system.
Ultimately, reduced service could lead to a “transit death spiral” where ridership further decreases and leads to even more cuts, according to DCist.
Metro’s board will listen to a formal presentation about the issue on Thursday and will vote on the budget in March.
Jurisdictions in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and the federal government will likely have to come together to find a solution to the budget gap.
“Metro is the system that keeps our region moving,” Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass said in a Tweet on Tuesday. “We need Congress to revisit the governing structure and funding allocations to meet the challenges and needs of today. Our federal partners must assist us with this critically important regional priority.”
NEW: Metro says upcoming $750M fiscal cliff could mean drastic cuts if region doesn't come together to find dedicated, reliable funding.
What's at stake in July 2024:
– Trains, buses every 20-30 mins
– No service after 9:30 pm
– Bad overcrowding
– Fewer police, janitors, support pic.twitter.com/SNuEFTd35n— Jordan Pascale (@JWPascale) June 20, 2023
