Metro asks for public input on FY25 Budget including service cuts and fare hikes as funding conversations continue

Published: 02/12/2024

Facing an unprecedented $750 million budget shortfall in the coming year, Metro is asking the public to provide feedback on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget which includes drastic service cuts, fare increases, layoffs, and other severe cost cutting measures.

The $4.5 billion capital and operating budget proposal provides a worst-case scenario; however, Metro’s funding partners are currently working through legislation that may reduce some of the most detrimental fare and service changes proposed.

The public is encouraged to review the proposed FY25 budget and provide comments through our online survey tool, or by attending an in-person or virtual public hearing. All comments should be submitted no later than Tuesday, March 5, at 5 p.m.

The budget shortfall is the result of several factors, including the end of federal pandemic relief funds, historic inflation pushing costs up, and slower than expected ridership recovery. Metro has taken steps to close the funding gap by reducing administrative costs, using capital funds to cover operating maintenance expenses, and decreasing fare evasion.

These steps alone are not enough. Metro is legally required to present a balanced budget each year, and the FY25 budget proposals reflect the significant cuts that would be needed if our local, state, and federal partners are unable to supply the necessary funding.

Metro has released a revised FY25 proposed Budget based on public funding commitments that keeps operating spending flat with Fiscal Year 2024 and minimizes service changes. Pending this funding, the FY25 Budget proposal would severely limit service and increase costs for customers. These include:

Fares

  • Up to 25 percent fare increase
  • 20 percent parking rate increase

Metrobus

  • Eliminate service on 83 of 184 routes
  • Reduce service on 51 of 184 routes
  • Shorten routes with rail service

Metrorail

  • Close 10 lower ridership stations
  • Turn back every other Red Line train at Grosvenor-Strathmore and Silver Spring
  • Turn back Silver Line trains at Stadium-Armory
  • Decrease service on all lines – weekdays every 15 minutes, weekends every 20 minutes
  • Decrease Hours of operation: Close the rail system at 10pm; or
  • Keep existing rail system hours and open earlier and close later weekends: open at 6am on Saturdays and Sundays, close at 2am on Fridays and Saturdays

MetroAccess

  • Reduced service area due to a reduction in fixed route bus service
  • Approximately 20 percent of MetroAccess trips would no longer be served

How to provide feedback

Take the Survey

Take the surveyand upload documents, letters, and written comments

Public Hearings

Metro will host three in-person and one virtual public hearing. Information about the FY25 Proposed Budget will be available during a "Your Metro" Open House along with staff to answer your questions. The Open House will begin one hour prior to the start of the hearing.

If you're interested in providing in-person testimony at a hearing, pre-registration is strongly encouraged, but not required. Email speak@wmata.com or call 202-962-2511 by 12 p.m. the day of the hearing.

Monday, Feb. 26
Open House at 5 p.m. and Public Hearing begins at 6 p.m.

Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans' Plaza
1 Veterans Pl
Silver Spring, MD

Nearest rail station: Red Line Silver Spring Station

Bus routes: Metrobus Z6, Z8; Ride On 9, 12, 15, and Flash

Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.
Open House at 5 p.m. and Public Hearing begins at 6 p.m.

Metro L'Enfant Plaza HQ
300 7th Street SW
Washington, DC

Nearest rail station: Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, Yellow lines (L’Enfant Plaza)

Bus routes: Metrobus 32, 36, 52, P6, DC Circulator

Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m.
Open House at 5 p.m. and Public Hearing begins at 6 p.m.

Arlington County Board Room
Ellen M. Bozman Government Center
2100 Clarendon Blvd., Ste. #307
Arlington, VA

Nearest rail station: Orange, Silver lines (Court House)

Bus routes: Metrobus 4B, 38B, ART Bus 41, 77

Thursday, Feb. 29, at 12 p.m.

Virtual only (via telephone or video) on Microsoft Teams*.

To provide video testimony, pre-register by emailing your name and organizational affiliation, if any, to speak@wmata.com or calling 202-962-2511 by 5 p.m. the day before the hearing.

To take part by phone, call 206-899-2028 during the hearing and enter meeting code 164 729 013. No advance registration available.

*You do not need to download Teams or have a Microsoft account to join the meetings.

Watch the Public Hearings Live

You can watch the Public Hearings live on our YouTube channel.

Accommodations

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. To request special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ASL or other language interpretation services (free of charge), contact the Office of the Board Secretary at 202-962-2511 (TTY: 202-962-2033) or send a message to speak@wmata.com as soon as possible, so Metro can make the necessary arrangements before the public hearing date.

For additional information and to view the full public docket go to wmata.com/budget.

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