Metro News Release

For immediate release: January 13, 2005

Metro’s proposed fiscal year 2006 budget posted on Metro web site

At today’s Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Board Budget Committee, officials released the proposed fiscal year 2006 operating and capital budgets which can be viewed on Metro’s Web site at www.metroopensdoors.com.

"Our Web site is one of the best tools for making Metro budget and service information available to the public," said Metro CEO and General Manager Richard A. White. "By making extensive budget information available on our Web site, and doing so earlier in the budget process, elected officials and our customers will have greater time to review and comment on our proposals."

Last month, Mr. White unveiled a package of proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2006 emphasizing safety, reliability, enhanced cleanliness and improved customer service and outreach. The budget proposal recommends no increases in fares for the next two budget years. The proposed budgets total $1.56 billion, greater than the current $1.31 FY 2005 budget. They include the Operating Budget ($1.048 billion), and Capital Improvement Program ($519 million), with $512 million in the CIP going to the Metro Matters Program approved by the local jurisdictions in October 2004.

The Metro Board Budget Committee, will review the proposals over the next six months. The full Board will make its final recommendations on the budget in June. The fiscal year 2006 budget will take effect July 1, 2005.

News release issued on January 13, 2005.