[RP TownTalk] Metro Update: Metro requests your feedback on proposed fare/service changes, FY18 Budget

[Jessica Barnes]

Metro is inviting the public to provide feedback on its proposed FY2018 Operating Budget, a proposal aimed at rightsizing rail and bus services to support current ridership, as well as the Capital Improvement Plan and Federal Grant Applications.

The proposed budget seeks to close a $290 million budget gap with shared sacrifice between state and local governments, Metro personnel and customers. The proposal calls for the District, Maryland and Virginia to contribute a total of $130 million more than they did last year. Metro is also proposing $50 million in cost savings by eliminating positions and taking other cost cutting actions. Fares for riders would go up between $0.10 and $0.25 for rail and bus trips, while service is rightsized to fit current ridership levels.
Several key initiatives are being considered including:


  *   Increase in Metrorail rush hour and non-rush hour fares
  *   Increase in regular and express Metrobus fares
  *   Replace 1-day rail pass with new 1-day unlimited rail/bus pass
  *   Adjust train service during weekday rush hour
  *   Reduce train service during non-rush hour and weekends
  *   Eliminate or modify bus routes in the District, Maryland and Virginia

To view the full dockets and for more information about the operating budget, visit wmata.com/budget<https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/>.

Metro values the input of its customers and the Metro Board will take all comments into consideration prior to adopting the budget. The public is encouraged to comment by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 6, 2017 using one of the following ways:


  *   Take a survey or provide written comment online<http://fy18budget.questionpro.com/> at wmata.com/budget.
  *   Attend an open house Monday, January 30, 2017, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and public hearing starting at 5:00 p.m. at Metro Headquarters Building, 600 Fifth St. NW, Washington DC 20001. Speaker registration is onsite only and will close at 9:00 p.m.

We know that these proposed changes may impact you and your organization - please forward this information along to others who may be affected in your organization so that they can provide feedback. If you would also like printed brochures about these proposed changes, please let me know.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Lisa Schooley
External Relations
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Email: lschooley at wmata.com<mailto:lschooley at wmata.com>
Direct line: (202) 962-1754

600 5th Street, NW
Room 3E-11
Washington DC 20001


Jessica
Jessica E. Barnes
Town Clerk
Riverdale Park
5008 Queensbury Road
Riverdale Park, MD 20737
www.riverdaleparkmd.info<http://www.riverdaleparkmd.info/>
301-927-6381

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