With Budget Cuts Looming, Metro Opens Public Comment Period

Metro opened its official Public Comment period Saturday as the transit agency faces an end to federal funding support, potentially forcing major budget cuts.

In a press release Saturday, Metro said they have been heavily dependent on the CARES Act, which has provided much needed funding as ridership and revenue slip due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But with funding set to run out at the end of 2020, “Metro’s Board of Directors must prepare to cut more than $200 million from the transit agency’s annual operating budget.”

Metro opens public comment period on service cuts, other actions necessary as federal funding support ends https://t.co/3NQ284lYJc #wmata

— Metro Forward (@wmata) September 26, 2020

MyMCMedia previously reported on potential service cuts, as well as reduced hours, layoffs and furloughs. Metro has added aggressive internal cost-cutting measures to the list, meaning Metro will limit the use of contractors and will defer some capital program expenses.

The agency’s concerns come as ridership is down nearly 80% from pre-pandemic levels, according to the press release. “The lack of revenue from people riding Metro is valued at approximately $2 million every weekday.”

Even with these plans in place, Metro says “the budget shortfall is so large that closing the gap can only be done through service cuts and layoffs beginning in December.”

Metro is asking that anyone impacted by these changes contact the agency during the official Public Comment period, which runs through 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2020.

Metro is offering multiple ways to provide feedback, including:

• In writing: Visit wmata.com/budget to take a survey and provide written comment. The deadline to provide feedback is 9 a.m on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020.
• Via audio/video: Metro will conduct a “virtual public hearing” that will be livestreamed on wmata.com and YouTube.com/metroforward on Oct. 13, 2020. Individuals have several options for submitting audio or video testimony for the public hearing, including:
  • Recording an audio statement by voicemail
  • Submitting an audio file via email
  • Sending a video selfie
  • Participating in a Zoom meeting on Oct. 13, 2020. (Registration required at wmata.com/budget by 12 p.m. on the day of the hearing.)
• By mail: Comments sent by mail must be received by 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. Submit to:
  • Office of the Board Secretary
    Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
    600 Fifth Street, NW
    Washington, DC 20001

The deadline for submitting audio or video comments is 12 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. All audio and video comments received will be streamed publicly for the Metro Board and the public beginning at 3 p.m. that day.

Metro Considering Layoffs, Service Cuts if Federal Funding Ends

About Reid Flumbaum

Reid Flumbaum was a senior at the University of Maryland, majoring in Broadcast Journalism during the fall semester of 2020. He loves technology, automotive journalism, and 80s music.

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