Metro News Release
For immediate release: June 10, 2005
Metro Budget Committee Recommends FY 2006 Budgets
The Metro Budget Committee today recommended to the full Board of Directors a $1.55 billion dollar budget package that holds no fare increases for riders.
"We are very pleased that this budget continues our commitment toward improving bus and rail reliability and strengthens our customer service without asking riders to pay more money," said Gladys Mack, Budget Committee chairwoman, who represents the District of Columbia on the Metro Board.
The operating budget is $1.014 billion 8 percent higher than the current $939 million fiscal 2005 budget. However, Metro officials noted they have cut $82 million out of the operating budget over the past five years.
"The spending plan is actually lower today than it was in fiscal 2000, after being adjusted for inflation and increased service," said General Manager and CEO Richard A. White.
"This budget includes $10 million to enhance the safety, reliability and cleanliness of our system and to improve communications with riders," said Dana Kauffman, Metro Board chairman. "This investment will pay for 93 new employees to further improve reliability, cleanliness, and service."
Expenses rose by $69 million over the fiscal 2005 budget due to service expansion and enhancements and inflationary growth of health care, payroll, pension, claims, and fuel and power costs. But revenues also went up $37 million due to ridership growth, additional parking garages, increased advertising and savings on health care premiums.
The local jurisdictions served by Metro will absorb the $32 million difference in a $434 million subsidy payment, which is 8 percent higher than the $402 million paid in fiscal 2005. "Seventy-five percent of our expense growth is attributed to our base budget service levels and 25 percent is attributed to expanded service and programs," White said.
The capital improvement budget is $537 million, with $512 million going to the Metro Matters Program, which will help buy 122 rail cars to support eight-car trains and 185 new buses, along with other improvements. The purchases will be spread out through calendar year 2011.
"This is the first budget since I announced our ’Back to Basics’ focus last November that includes special, enhanced attention to customer service and reliability," said White. "We’re already seeing service enhancements pay off with dramatic improvements in rail and bus reliability, and this budget will help us continue these positive trends." The full Metro Board is expected to approve the budget next Thursday.
Among the proposed highlights in Metro’s operating budget are:
Operational costs of adding 62 new rail cars;
4 new positions for track inspection and maintenance crews to examine Metrorail track to improve Metrorail system performance and safety;
Up to 300 new explosion-resistant trash cans on the rail station platforms and mezzanines;
Three new parking garages at West Falls Church, New Carrollton and College Park;
6 new positions to improve station lighting;
17 rail station personnel positions to assist customers and improve passenger traffic flow;
26 new positions to improve rail and bus system cleanliness;
16 new customer service personnel to respond to passenger information needs;
16 new police officers; and
5 new positions to monitor paratransit service Among the proposed highlights in Metro’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget are: Infrastructure Renewal Program
Delivery of Metro’s 62 new Series 6000 rail cars. The cars are scheduled to begin arriving by the end of the year and continue arriving throughout the rest of the fiscal year; they will have a slightly redesigned interior seating arrangement to improve passenger flow.
Begin to buy 490 replacement buses.
Ongoing rehabilitation of older rail cars that are restored to "like-new" conditions.
Ongoing rehabilitation of escalators and elevators.
Ongoing maintenance passenger facilities in a state of good repair.
Funding $525 million for infrastructure projects, such as rehabilitation and replacement of ventilation and air conditioning systems, painting and other repairs that have been put off due to budget restrictions.
Metro Matters Rail Program
Purchase of 122 additional rail cars to support 33 percent eight-car train operations.
Continue maintenance and rail yard storage facility improvements to support additional rail cars.
Continue system improvements including traction power and precision stopping to accommodate eight-car trains.
Metro Matters Bus Program
Begin buying of up to 185 new buses for expanded service. .
Design and begin construction of a new Metrobus maintenance facility.
Improve bus passenger information systems and bus stops.
System Expansion Program/System Access Program
Continue project development along the Dulles Rail Corridor.
Design and begin construction of the Takoma-Langley Park Transit Center.
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News release issued on June 10, 2005.