Metro transit landscape is at a crossroads as Metro officials issue a dire warning – without swift action to bridge a substantial budget gap, severe repercussions may hit the transit system. WMATA finds itself in a tight spot, grappling with a complex interplay of factors.
Join Our Text Club For Exclusives + More! Text “Mymajic” to 24042
Ridership recovery post-pandemic remains sluggish, while the emergency funding that kept Metro operational during the height of the pandemic is drying up. This ominous combination has left WMATA facing a staggering $750 million budget deficit, threatening both passengers and the Metro workforce.
RELATED: Metro Employees Honored For Help Delivering Baby On Orange Line Train
During a recent Metro Board meeting, officials painted a grim picture of what could unfold if action isn’t taken. Nearly 95 of WMATA’s 134 bus routes could face elimination, leading to significant increases in wait times, up to 20-30 minutes, and the potential early end of all services at 9:30 p.m. on weekdays.
RELATED: Firefighters Rescue A Person Trapped In Metro Elevator 30 Feet Underground
In a desperate bid to stabilize finances, WMATA is even considering the suspension of Metrorail services on either Saturdays or Sundays. WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke emphasizes that these measures are currently being explored as options, not finalized plans. Nonetheless, they underscore the severity of the looming budget crisis, a matter of paramount concern for the Metro’s future.
source: The DMV Daily
READ MORE:
- Maryland Will Celebrate Earth Day With Free Transit For Riders
- Maryland Ranks In Top 5 ‘Greenest States’ Of 2024
- Maryland Lawmakers & Residents Push Back Against Cannabis Entrepreneur
- Man Struck By Metro Train Outside Stadium-Armory Station
- Metro Reports Drop In Crime, Fare Evasion Decreases By 50%
- Solar Eclipse Watch Parties In The DMV
- DC Day Care Owner Recognized For Swift Evacuation Of 16 Children Before Gas Explosion
- WATCH: How To Stream Today’s Solar Eclipse In The DMV
- Bowser Proposes Sales Tax Increase In 2025 Budget For Metro, Public Safety & Downtown Developments
- Maryland’s Crabbing Season Has Begun!
Get Breaking News & Exclusive Content in Your Inbox: