Metro’s General Manager, Randy Clarke, has presented a proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 aimed at improving service across the D.C.-area transit system. The proposal emphasizes increased frequency for Metro’s bus and train services without raising fare prices.
Proposed Enhancements to Metro Services
The budget plan includes significant enhancements, particularly on the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines. With this proposal, weekday trains would operate every 10 minutes instead of the current 12-minute intervals. This adjustment is set to accommodate the peak ridership demands in the region.
Clarke highlighted the growing ridership since the pandemic, asserting the importance of engagement initiatives like the “Tap. Ride. Go.” campaign. “Metro ridership has grown in recent years, and we want to continue to meet that demand for the region,” he stated.
Performance and Revenue Insights
Tom Webster, Metro’s executive vice president and acting chief financial officer, shared optimistic forecasts regarding future ridership. “Ridership increased from approximately 81 million trips in FY-21 to a projected 268 million by the end of FY-26, thanks largely to enhanced service and regional travel improvements,” he noted.
The budget plan does not foresee any fare increases following the $2.25 fare raise set for July 2024. Additionally, Metro anticipates significant revenue growth of $632 million for 2026, only slightly less than the proposed 2027 budget.
Focus on Maintenance and Capital Funding
Metro has allocated $84 million specifically for preventive maintenance as part of the proposed budget. Allison Davis, senior vice president of planning and sustainability, has emphasized the intention to shorten wait times on key bus routes and expand service hours.
- Proposed changes aim to address coverage gaps.
- Metro anticipates considerable revenue, estimated at $506 million for FY-26.
Webster expressed concerns regarding future funding uncertainties from regional investments. In February 2024, D.C. offered Metro an additional $200 million to help close their budget deficit, while Maryland and Virginia provided $150 million and $130 million, respectively.
Budget Overview
Metro’s Board had previously approved a $4.96 billion budget for FY-26, which included:
- $2.5 billion for the Better Bus Network redesign.
- $2.4 billion for repairs and modernization of services.
Public meetings for comments on the proposed budget will take place in February in Arlington, along with two virtual sessions, encouraging community feedback as Metro works to enhance its transit services.
