Transit agency staff recommend service, fare adjustments to close budget gap
Richard Sarles, Metro’s interim general manager, presented the Metro Finance Administration and Oversight Committee today (April 22) with recommendations to close the agency’s $189 million budget gap for fiscal year 2011. The recommendations considered public input provided during six public hearings, in letters to Metro and responses to an on-line questionnaire.
The latest budget proposal includes fare and parking fee increases, bus and rail service adjustments, reallocation of some capital funds, departmental reductions, layoffs, and increased contributions by local jurisdictions.
“During the public comment period, we received a great deal of input from customers,” said Sarles. “We have taken these inputs into account as we propose a solution that we feel balances the FY2011 budget as well as the interests of all in the region fairly.”
Metrorail and Metrobus service adjustments account for $8 million or 4 percent of the budget gap reduction, while fare adjustments account for $87.9 million. Changes to parking, bicycle locker and other fees are expected to bring in an additional $13.8 million in revenue.
Sarles told the Committee that 79 percent of on-line public comments on the budget favored an increase in Metrobus fares and 80 percent favored increased fares for Metrorail.
Proposed fare adjustments include raising peak-hour rail fares from $1.65 to $1.90. A 10-cent surcharge would be added to fares during peak morning and evening periods. Bus fares would rise from $1.25 to $1.50 for SmarTrip users and $1.60 for riders using cash. All riders using paper fare cards would pay an extra 25 cents per transaction.
MetroAccess initiatives and departmental reductions are expected to close the budget gap by $7.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively. Sarles plans to cut 313 positions throughout the agency and eliminate a 1 percent pay raise for non-union employees.
Metro is requesting that Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia increase their jurisdictional contributions by $26 million.
Also, the agency will use $30.1 million in capital funds to pay for preventive maintenance. Surplus earnings and savings identified during the fiscal year will be returned to the capital budget in FY2012.
Additional details of proposed fare and service adjustments are listed below. All fare and fee adjustments can be seen if you click here.
Metrobus fare adjustments:
• Increase the boarding charge to $1.50 for SmarTrip users and $1.60 people paying in cash.
• Increase the fare for express buses to $3.65.
• Increase the fares to Dulles International Airport (route 5A) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (route B30) to $6 per trip.
• Increase the weekly bus pass price to $15.
• Reduce the bus-to-bus transfer period from three hours to two hours.
Metrorail fare adjustments:
• Increase the peak period boarding charge to $1.90 for trips of less than three miles.
• Increase the mileage charge on first tier of peak period (three to six miles) to about 30 cents per mile.
• Increase the mileage charge on second tier of peak period (six miles to peak) to about 27 cents per mile.
• Increase the “max-peak” period fare to $5.
• Implement “peak-of-the-peak” pricing, an additional 10-cents on fares between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Increase discounted fares within the first seven miles to $1.55; seven to 10 miles to $2.10; and beyond 10 miles to $2.70.
• Increase pass prices consistent with the boarding charges, to no higher than 15 percent.
• Reduce the rail-to-bus transfer period from three hours to two hours.
Parking and other fee adjustments:
• Charge a bicycle locker rental fee of $200 annually.
• Charge 25 cents for use of paper fare cards.
• Charge special event fares for historic, political, or major sporting or entertainment events.
• Increase the daily parking fee by 50 cents.
• Increase reserved parking fees by $5 per month.
• Authorize the general manager to have authority to increase the number of reserved parking spaces (up to 8 percent of all spaces) for stations where all reserved parking slots have been sold.
Metrorail service adjustments:
• End weekend service at 2 a.m. instead of 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Reduce service on the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Run Red Line trains every three minutes between Grosvenor and Silver Spring, and every six minutes between Silver Spring and Glenmont and Between Grosvenor and Shady Grove between 6 and 6:30 a.m. on weekends.
• Close one entrance to Stadium-Armory, McPherson Square, Friendship Heights and King Street Metrorail stations at 8 p.m. nightly. The Stadium-Armory entrance will be open during events at the stadium.
• Close one entrance to Anacostia North, Stadium Armory North, Navy Yard West, New York Avenue South, Friendship Heights South, L’Enfant Plaza West, King Street North, and Silver Spring North on weekends. The entrance at Stadium Armory North will remain open for stadium events.
• Change the frequency of trains from six to eight minutes apart between 6 and 6:30 a.m., equaling one-trip reduction each way.
Metrobus service adjustments:
• Reduce service on Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and weekdays between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Reduce late night weekend coverage to match the proposed Metrorail adjustment to 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
• Reduce the number of bus stops, implement traffic signal priority for buses, and introduce bus-priority lanes and traffic management techniques on select lines.
• Alter several bus routes
MetroAccess service adjustments:
• Increase base fares at a rate comparable to twice the Metrobus fare, in keeping with current policy ($3 per trip).
• New customers will only be eligible for service within the three-fourth mile area outlined by the federal law. Existing customers will be “grandfathered” so as to be permitted to travel beyond the three-fourth mile area, but will be charged double current zone fees.
• Eliminate the free ride program for those customers who qualify for full MetroAccess eligibility.
Metro intends to use funds to place greater emphasis on medical and safety programs. The agency plans to spend $900,000 on additional drug testing for machinery operators and mechanics, and on fatigue and suicide programs.
The general manager’s proposal also dedicates $6 million to address safety recommendations of the Tri-State Oversight Committee and Metro personnel. Among those initiatives are improvements or development of safety certification and re-certifications, safety management system database, external safety panels, safety hotlines, off-site safety training, hazard analysis and programs and near-miss reporting,
Should the Board to approve the FY2011 budget by April 29, Metro will implement fare adjustments on June 27 and service changes in July and September.
To see the complete budget proposal presentation, click here.
News release issued at 2:21 pm, April 22, 2010.
http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4423
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Please see the Post article on the outcome of WMATA's public hearings and comment review.
Note the following, "About 79 percent of people commenting at public hearings or who wrote in specifically opposed service cuts." If you sent in your comments--thanks!
And--for those who missed it--the rally from April 1, 2010 was on the front page of the print edition of the Gazette yesterday--link on the right-hand side of the page!
Note the following, "About 79 percent of people commenting at public hearings or who wrote in specifically opposed service cuts." If you sent in your comments--thanks!
And--for those who missed it--the rally from April 1, 2010 was on the front page of the print edition of the Gazette yesterday--link on the right-hand side of the page!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
SENATOR HARRINGTON REPORTS NO CLOSURES TO CHEVERLY!
Great news--Senator Harrington sent out an update today to let me know that there will be no closures to the Cheverly metro station. Thank you to all who participated in this great effort!
Here is the text of the update I received:
" . . .this morning we had a Prince George's Senate delegation meeting where we were informed by a staff member in the Department of Transportation that the closure of the Cheverly and other Metro stations in Prince George's was not going to happen. This coincides with what we learned from the Chairman Benjamin."
Here is the text of the update I received:
" . . .this morning we had a Prince George's Senate delegation meeting where we were informed by a staff member in the Department of Transportation that the closure of the Cheverly and other Metro stations in Prince George's was not going to happen. This coincides with what we learned from the Chairman Benjamin."
Cheverly residents send out opposition emails to WMATA
I received the following comments, sent to WMATA today. Thank you to ALL who sent in their comments!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ray
Date: Tue, Apr 6, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Subject: Proposed closing of Cheverly Metro station
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
To Whom It May Concern-
I speak for myself and my neighbors when I say I am absolutely opposed to closing the Cheverly Metro station at any time except when the entire Metro train system is closed.
Not only is Metro a link for area residents attending sporting and cultural events in the DC metro area during the weekend, it is also a key link to Prince George's County Hospital Center, which, as you know, does not close on weekends.
Metro keeps traffic off local roads, decreases pollution, links citizens to key services and supports area entertainment and tourism-oriented businesses. The second and third order negative effects of Metro closure far outweigh the budgetary pittance that will be "saved".
Ray
Cheverly, MD
---------- Forwarded message ----------
from David
to public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
date Thurs, Apr 1, 2010
Thank you WMATA for this opportunity to voice my concerns over the
potential weekend closure of the Orange Line stations and other
service cuts to the eastern side of the city. The orange line is a
vital link between our community and the rest of metropolitan
Washington DC. Many people in our community, my wife and I included,
have chosen to live here specifically because we have a metro station
close by. We have few entertainment or shopping options in the area
and closing the weekend service would essentially isolate many
residents.
I believe that there are many opportunities to reduce redundant
services on the bus and rail lines that would save money or decrease
personnel at certain locations and times for additional savings.
Considering how packed the trains are during the morning and evening
rush, there is obvious potential for additional rate increases during
peak hours. This has the potential to increase revenues and also make
the commute a bit more enjoyable and less cramped by spreading out the
morning and evening rush.
I have completed the online survey and hope that you will be able to
come to some conclusions that help make metro not only viable but
safer and more reliable without reducing a much needed service to the
community.
Thank you,
David
Cheverly resident
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Daphne
Date: Mon, Mar 29, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Subject: Do not close Cheverly metro station on weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
I am a native Washingtonian and have ridden metro my entire life--riding it almost daily since 1989. I rode the red line daily to high school, and I rode the red, blue, and orange lines over the summers during college. I commuted via the bus and rail system throughout my professional career; I used metro when I returned to graduate school, and now commute on metro again.
When I purchased a home, I made sure I was within walking distance to a metro station so I could continue to use public transportation to my place of employment. As a Cheverly resident, I am outraged that WMATA 's proposed budget completely closes our Cheverly Metro on weekends. All three proposed weekend closures take place either in Southeast Washington or Prince George's County, causing these areas to suffer a disproportionate burden. Furthermore, it is in these communities that residents rely on public transportation the most, both for its timeliness and also its cost effectiveness. This would have a devastating impact on Cheverly and the surrounding areas.
I understand the need to both generate new funds and use existing funds economically. There must be a compromise, however, between bringing Metro's financial house into order and denying access to a segment of the population.
Daphne
Cheverly, MD
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ray
Date: Tue, Apr 6, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Subject: Proposed closing of Cheverly Metro station
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
To Whom It May Concern-
I speak for myself and my neighbors when I say I am absolutely opposed to closing the Cheverly Metro station at any time except when the entire Metro train system is closed.
Not only is Metro a link for area residents attending sporting and cultural events in the DC metro area during the weekend, it is also a key link to Prince George's County Hospital Center, which, as you know, does not close on weekends.
Metro keeps traffic off local roads, decreases pollution, links citizens to key services and supports area entertainment and tourism-oriented businesses. The second and third order negative effects of Metro closure far outweigh the budgetary pittance that will be "saved".
Ray
Cheverly, MD
---------- Forwarded message ----------
from David
to public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
date Thurs, Apr 1, 2010
Thank you WMATA for this opportunity to voice my concerns over the
potential weekend closure of the Orange Line stations and other
service cuts to the eastern side of the city. The orange line is a
vital link between our community and the rest of metropolitan
Washington DC. Many people in our community, my wife and I included,
have chosen to live here specifically because we have a metro station
close by. We have few entertainment or shopping options in the area
and closing the weekend service would essentially isolate many
residents.
I believe that there are many opportunities to reduce redundant
services on the bus and rail lines that would save money or decrease
personnel at certain locations and times for additional savings.
Considering how packed the trains are during the morning and evening
rush, there is obvious potential for additional rate increases during
peak hours. This has the potential to increase revenues and also make
the commute a bit more enjoyable and less cramped by spreading out the
morning and evening rush.
I have completed the online survey and hope that you will be able to
come to some conclusions that help make metro not only viable but
safer and more reliable without reducing a much needed service to the
community.
Thank you,
David
Cheverly resident
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Daphne
Date: Mon, Mar 29, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Subject: Do not close Cheverly metro station on weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
I am a native Washingtonian and have ridden metro my entire life--riding it almost daily since 1989. I rode the red line daily to high school, and I rode the red, blue, and orange lines over the summers during college. I commuted via the bus and rail system throughout my professional career; I used metro when I returned to graduate school, and now commute on metro again.
When I purchased a home, I made sure I was within walking distance to a metro station so I could continue to use public transportation to my place of employment. As a Cheverly resident, I am outraged that WMATA 's proposed budget completely closes our Cheverly Metro on weekends. All three proposed weekend closures take place either in Southeast Washington or Prince George's County, causing these areas to suffer a disproportionate burden. Furthermore, it is in these communities that residents rely on public transportation the most, both for its timeliness and also its cost effectiveness. This would have a devastating impact on Cheverly and the surrounding areas.
I understand the need to both generate new funds and use existing funds economically. There must be a compromise, however, between bringing Metro's financial house into order and denying access to a segment of the population.
Daphne
Cheverly, MD
Monday, April 5, 2010
Councilmember Micah Waston tells WMATA not to reduce service
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Micah Watson
Date: Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Subject: Opposition to Closing Cheverly Metro on Weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
Dear WMATA Board and Managers:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the staff-level proposal to close the Cheverly Metrorail Station on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost savings to WMATA would be minimal, and the impact on the greater Cheverly community would be awful. Town residents and our neighboring communities rely on Metrorail and the Metrobus connections to Cheverly Metrorail Station in order to commute, shop, run errands and make medical and other appointments.
I know WMATA shares my desire to increase utilization of transit and would not propose this measure if it were not desperate for contain costs. However, let me assure you that this proposal would exacerbate, not improve, the problem. As more Cheverly residents are forced to drive, less will use the Metro system, which will decrease your fairbox revenue, which will force you to further cut service. Service cuts are simply not the answer.
Thank you for taking public comments on your cost containment proposals. I urge you not to pursue this particular strategy, as its costs to our community greatly outweigh the minimal cost savings to WMATA.
Regards,
Micah Watson
Daily Metrorail Rider (Weekdays and Weekends)
Vice Mayor, Town of Cheverly
240-603-9366
From: Micah Watson
Date: Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Subject: Opposition to Closing Cheverly Metro on Weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
Dear WMATA Board and Managers:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the staff-level proposal to close the Cheverly Metrorail Station on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost savings to WMATA would be minimal, and the impact on the greater Cheverly community would be awful. Town residents and our neighboring communities rely on Metrorail and the Metrobus connections to Cheverly Metrorail Station in order to commute, shop, run errands and make medical and other appointments.
I know WMATA shares my desire to increase utilization of transit and would not propose this measure if it were not desperate for contain costs. However, let me assure you that this proposal would exacerbate, not improve, the problem. As more Cheverly residents are forced to drive, less will use the Metro system, which will decrease your fairbox revenue, which will force you to further cut service. Service cuts are simply not the answer.
Thank you for taking public comments on your cost containment proposals. I urge you not to pursue this particular strategy, as its costs to our community greatly outweigh the minimal cost savings to WMATA.
Regards,
Micah Watson
Daily Metrorail Rider (Weekdays and Weekends)
Vice Mayor, Town of Cheverly
240-603-9366
WMATA replies to Senator Harrington--no stations to be closed, but your comments are still needed!
I received the message below from Senator David Harrington, but note that vigilance is still needed. Please send those comments in to WMATA by 5:00 tomorrow: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
***
From: Peter Benjamin, WMATA Board [mailto:peter.metro@verizon.net]
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 3:17 PM
To: Harrington, David Senator (District)
Subject: Re: WMATA's Proposed Closure of Metrorail Stations
Senator Harrington:
As you may be aware, the Metro Board allowed the entire set of proposals by the General Manager to go to public hearing to obtain comment. In fact, several of the Board members stated as we approved the hearing package that we opposed some of the elements. We appreciate hearing from you on this matter. Let me assure you that no rail station or rail line will be closed except when the entire system is closed.
Peter Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: Harrington, David Senator (District)
To: peter.metro@verizon.net ; public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 2:23 PM
Subject: WMATA's Proposed Closure of Metrorail Stations
Dear Chair Benjamin:
Attached please find a letter in response to WMATA’s proposed closure of Metrorail stations in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
David C. Harrington
Maryland State Senator
47th Legislative District, Prince George’s County
410-841-3745
***
From: Peter Benjamin, WMATA Board [mailto:peter.metro@verizon.net]
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 3:17 PM
To: Harrington, David Senator (District)
Subject: Re: WMATA's Proposed Closure of Metrorail Stations
Senator Harrington:
As you may be aware, the Metro Board allowed the entire set of proposals by the General Manager to go to public hearing to obtain comment. In fact, several of the Board members stated as we approved the hearing package that we opposed some of the elements. We appreciate hearing from you on this matter. Let me assure you that no rail station or rail line will be closed except when the entire system is closed.
Peter Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: Harrington, David Senator (District)
To: peter.metro@verizon.net ; public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 2:23 PM
Subject: WMATA's Proposed Closure of Metrorail Stations
Dear Chair Benjamin:
Attached please find a letter in response to WMATA’s proposed closure of Metrorail stations in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
David C. Harrington
Maryland State Senator
47th Legislative District, Prince George’s County
410-841-3745
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Prince George's Hospital Center says no to weekend closures at Cheverly
From: John O'Brien [mailto:John.O'Brien@dimensionshealth.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 4:51 PM
To: public-hearing-testimony@WMATA.com
Subject: Proposal B10-2; Cheverly Station Weekend Closure
On behalf of the employees and patients of Prince George's Hospital Center and our affiliated Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital, I object to the proposal to close the Cheverly Metro station on weekends.
The Prince George's Hospital Center is one of the largest private employers in Prince George's County. We provide critical health and medical care services seven days every week and 24-hours every day. The Cheverly Metro station on the Orange Line (connecting with the surface bus lines) is the essential transportation mode for a substantial number of our employees, patients, and visitors. We are the only hospital in the County with this convenient access by public transportation. This link is particularly important on weekends when those without personal motor vehicles would have even fewer transportation options. The negative impact on our service abilities and diminished access to health services by area residents would substantially outweigh the projected savings to the Metro system.
Please reject the proposal to close the Cheverly Metro station on weekends.
Thank you,
John A. O'Brien
President
Prince George's Hospital Center
3001 Hospital Drive
Cheverly MD 20785
301-618-2117
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 4:51 PM
To: public-hearing-testimony@WMATA.com
Subject: Proposal B10-2; Cheverly Station Weekend Closure
On behalf of the employees and patients of Prince George's Hospital Center and our affiliated Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital, I object to the proposal to close the Cheverly Metro station on weekends.
The Prince George's Hospital Center is one of the largest private employers in Prince George's County. We provide critical health and medical care services seven days every week and 24-hours every day. The Cheverly Metro station on the Orange Line (connecting with the surface bus lines) is the essential transportation mode for a substantial number of our employees, patients, and visitors. We are the only hospital in the County with this convenient access by public transportation. This link is particularly important on weekends when those without personal motor vehicles would have even fewer transportation options. The negative impact on our service abilities and diminished access to health services by area residents would substantially outweigh the projected savings to the Metro system.
Please reject the proposal to close the Cheverly Metro station on weekends.
Thank you,
John A. O'Brien
President
Prince George's Hospital Center
3001 Hospital Drive
Cheverly MD 20785
301-618-2117
Cheverly's fight to keep weekend service at the metro station makes the news
You can read the article about Cheverly's fight to keep the metro open on weekends here! Gazette--thanks for covering this important issue!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Rally pics!
We had a great showing at today's rally and heard from several of our elected officials! Thank you all for joining the effort to oppose WMATA’s proposed closure of the Cheverly metro station on Saturdays and Sundays. To those of you who attended the rally, to those of you who made calls, sent emails, filled out WMATA’s survey, joined the Facebook group, worked on the flier and printing of it, and handed out fliers, thank you.
Rally Information and Speaker List
Thanks to everyone who has helped with the effort to keep the Cheverly metro open on the weekend. As you know, there's a rally today from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the metro station, prior to the public hearings. If you'd like to say a few words at tonight's rally, please let me know--we'd love to hear from folks who ride the metro regularly and value this service!
Several of our elected officials will be in attendance and will give brief remarks:
Andrea Harrison, District 5 County Council Representative
Senator David Harrington, by representative
Mike Callahan, Cheverly Councilmember, Ward 1
Micah Watson, Cheverly Councilmember, Ward 2, and Vice Mayor
Norman Oslik, Progressive Cheverly
Delegate Victor Ramirez, by representative
Delegate Victor Ramirez, by representative
Message from Delegate Jolene Ivey
I think it's great how the community is pulling together!
I spoke with Betty Hewlett (on the Metro board), and she said that this was a proposal they're considering, and they have to have a hearing on every possibility of cost savings. (If they don't have a public hearing, they can't take a particular action.) She said it was unlikely that this is an action they'd actually take, but that she couldn't promise that they wouldn't. I told her we would fight it, as long as it was even a vague possibility. It seems to me that if we don't raise hell they'll be most likely to go ahead and close it on weekends, because then, why not?
My kids use the Metro on weekends, and I think it gets them in the habit of using it. When they're adults, it won't be a big deal for them to use it to commute. She said she's heard that argument from another mom, and that it makes sense to her.
I probably won't be at the rally - another week and a half left in session - but Victor and I have been working it from our end. If we all keep plugging away from our own vantage points, we have a great chance of being successful.
Thanks!
Jolene
I spoke with Betty Hewlett (on the Metro board), and she said that this was a proposal they're considering, and they have to have a hearing on every possibility of cost savings. (If they don't have a public hearing, they can't take a particular action.) She said it was unlikely that this is an action they'd actually take, but that she couldn't promise that they wouldn't. I told her we would fight it, as long as it was even a vague possibility. It seems to me that if we don't raise hell they'll be most likely to go ahead and close it on weekends, because then, why not?
My kids use the Metro on weekends, and I think it gets them in the habit of using it. When they're adults, it won't be a big deal for them to use it to commute. She said she's heard that argument from another mom, and that it makes sense to her.
I probably won't be at the rally - another week and a half left in session - but Victor and I have been working it from our end. If we all keep plugging away from our own vantage points, we have a great chance of being successful.
Thanks!
Jolene
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