Metro funding and governance reform!

[box][featured]In May, 2018, regional leaders in DC, MD, and VA made history by officially signing $500 million in annual dedicated funding for Metro. This is the first time in its 40+ year history that Metro has had a dedicated funding stream. 

CSG worked alongside the MetroNow and Fund It Fix coalitions to help pass the funding. Winning funding was a major victory in the fight to make Metro better, and it has paved the way for our work in governance and operations.

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MetroNow coalition

On January 8, 2018, we helped launched MetroNow, a business and nonprofit coalition for Metro funding and reform. We’re proud to stand with business leaders including the Greater Washington Partnership, Federal City Council, Greater Washington Board of Trade, the 2030 Group, and Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce to make comprehensive Metro reforms a reality in 2018.

MetroNow has been working to convince regional leaders in Maryland, Virginia, and the District to get Metro the fixes it needs:

  • Funding: At least $500 million/year in new, dedicated and bondable funding, with DC, MD, and VA each responsible for their fair share. CHECK!
  • Governance: Reforms that create a smaller, independent board focused on outcomes for the entire system to ensure long-term durability. Read the platform here>>
  • Operational efficiency: Providing safe, frequent, and reliable transit, increased ridership, and reasonable fares that contribute to the overall quality of life and economic success of the region.

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Fund It Fix It coalition

Since early 2017, CSG has led the 22-member Fund It Fix It coalition of regional nonprofits, teaming up with the Sierra Club, League of Women Voters, and other transit and environmental advocates. Together, we have communicated the urgency of Metro’s situation and built support for dedicated funding. Here are our core set of principles:

  • Dedicated funding for Metro: In order for Metro to be a world-class transit system, we must identify additional sources of revenue for WMATA that are sufficiently reliable and bondable. Agreement on new revenues is essential before the end of fiscal year 2018.
  • Near-term budget solutions: State and local jurisdictions must provide the additional operating funds necessary to avoid drastic service cuts that will put Metro on the path toward a ‘death spiral.’
  • Frequent and reliable service: Operating budget issues will not be solved by further service cuts. Frequent service is essential for attracting and retaining riders and supporting our booming transit-oriented economy. Providing efficient rail and bus service must be a top priority for regional officials, and should include priority bus corridors and dedicated bus lanes to the maximum extent possible.

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Resources

Major reports on Metro: 

  • COG reports that over the next 10 years, we are facing a $7.4 billion budget gap ($1.3 billion for operations and maintenance and $6.2 billion for capital needs like buses, railcars, vehicle parts, and track systems).
  • Federal City Council wants to re-open WMATA’s governing compact, create an emergency financial control board, and proposes a 1% sales tax as a dedicated funding source along with a special property assessment within a half-mile of Metro stations.

CSG press releases and statements on Metro:

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