American Recovery Plan helps Metro avert service cuts and layoffs

Metro expects to avert service cuts and layoffs that had been proposed in its FY22 budget thanks to new federal relief approved by Congress today. 

"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."

The WMATA Compact requires the Board to adopt a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year by June 30th.