Metro News Release
For immediate release: September 9, 2009
Metro prioritizing capital needs for the next decade
Implementing NTSB recommendations, replacing oldest buses, rail cars and sections of rail system top the list
Metro planners are presenting the Board of Directors with a prioritized list of capital improvements that are necessary over the next 10 years to maintain the transit system’s safety and reliability, with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations taking top priority.
Officials plan to brief Board members about the prioritized list of capital needs at a September 10 committee meeting. Last September, Metro planners identified $11 billion in capital needs between 2011 and 2020 to maintain, expand and improve rail, bus and paratransit service. Since then staff has been working to identify which projects take precedence. The foundation of the prioritization analysis was Metro’s strategic goals, including the safety and reliability of services.
The list includes implementing NTSB recommendations as a top priority, followed by performance projects that would maintain and replace assets like rail cars and buses, promote safety and preserve current levels of service. Customer-focused projects that are meant to meet growing ridership demands and improve the rider’s experience also are high on the list.
“The Metro system was built more than 30 years ago, and we have critical infrastructure upgrades that need to be addressed during the next 10 years,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “The next capital improvement program and a new funding agreement with our regional partners will go a long way to ensure our transit system remains vital to the Washington region.”
Under the prioritized inventory of capital needs, Metro staff is recommending that Metro implement NTSB safety recommendations as a top priority, followed by key performance projects such as rehabilitation of sections of the rail system that are more than 30 years old, replacement of older rail cars and buses, replacement/rehabilitation of three of Metro’s oldest bus garages and information technology system upgrades.
The rail car replacement includes replacing all 290 of Metro’s 1000-series rail cars, which have been in service since the rail system opened in 1976. Three of Metro’s oldest bus garages that are a priority for replacement/rehabilitation include Southern Avenue (87 years old), Southeastern (72 years old) and Royal Street (64 years old) bus garages.
Key customer demands that also are high on the list include rail fleet expansion and power upgrades that would allow the full use of eight-car trains on all rail lines, safety and security enhancements, such as building a police training facility and installing bumpy domes at the edges of all Metrorail station platforms, and expanding the Metrobus and MetroAccess fleet of vehicles.
As part of the prioritization process, staff looked at what projects would need to be deferred beyond 2020 if Metro does not receive the full $11 billion needed. Several customer demands such as enhanced core station capacity, additional Metrobus fleet expansion and bicycle and pedestrian facilities would be deferred until more funds become available.
Enhanced core station capacity would include improvements to pedestrian flow, escalators, elevators, stairs, platforms and mezzanines at six of the most heavily used core stations—Farragut West, Farragut North, Gallery Pl-Chinatown, L’Enfant Plaza, Metro Center and Union Station Metrorail stations.
In the coming months, Metro staff will publish its 2011-2020 Capital Needs Inventory, develop a draft multi-year capital improvement program, draft the FY2011 Capital Budget and work with the Board and regional partners to finalize the next funding agreement, which will be effective July 1, 2010.
View the committee presentation about the Prioritization of the Capital Needs Inventory.
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Media contact for this news release: Angela Gates or Lisa Farbstein at 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.
News release issued at 11:30 am, September 9, 2009.