Metro opens public comment period on service cuts, other actions necessary as federal funding support ends

Metro has announced several ways the public can make their voice heard regarding the impact of Covid-19 budget cuts that must be considered as federal funding support ends.

Due to the pandemic's impact on ridership and revenue, Metro is heavily dependent on CARES Act funding that will run out by the end of the year. As a result, Metro's Board of Directors must prepare to cut more than $200 million from the transit agency's annual operating budget, something that is only possible through a combination of service cuts, reduced hours, layoffs, furloughs, and internal cost-cutting measures.

Proposals being considered by the Metro Board include:

Cutting Metrorail service (longer time between trains)
Closing Metrorail earlier
Continuing reduced Metrobus service levels and hours

Details on the proposals are available at wmata.com/budget

How to provide feedback

In writing: Visit wmata.com/budget to take a survey and provide written comment. The deadline to provide feedback is 9 am on Monday, Oct. 19.

Via audio/video: Metro will conduct a "virtual public hearing" that will be livestreamed on wmata.com and YouTube.com/metroforward on Oct. 13. 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. (Registration required at wmata.com/budget by 12:00 pm on the day of the hearing.)

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

By mail: Comments sent by mail must be received by 9 am on Monday, Oct. 19. Submit to:

Office of the Board Secretary

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

600 Fifth Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001