WMATA seeks input on 'reality check' budget for FY2018

1/25/2017    

Rail News: Financials

Trains pass through the Farragut West Station on the Orange and Blue Lines.Photo – WMATA/Larry Levine

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking public feedback on its proposed $3.1 billion budget for fiscal-year 2018.

The budget would provide funds for key safety, service and customer initiatives aimed at reversing ridership decline and building a financially sustainable future for the agency, WMATA officials said in a press release.

Following the year-long accelerated track maintenance program known as SafeTrack, WMATA will institute a new preventive track maintenance program in FY2018. In addition, the agency will implement a rail-car "Get Well" plan to address persistent issues and reduce delays.

The FY2018 budget provides $1.8 billion for operating expenses and $1.25 billion for capital needs. The proposal would include fare increases.

WMATA officials in October 2016 described the budget as a "reality check" plan.

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