[MD-Sligo] FW: Metro seeks public input on proposed budget to support regional recovery amid pandemic-related financial constraints

[Deborah]

-----Original Message-----
From: Metro News [mailto:pressrelease at metroalerts.info] 
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2021 2:20 PM
To: Metro News Subscriber <archive at metroalerts.info>
Subject: Metro seeks public input on proposed budget to support regional
recovery amid pandemic-related financial constraints

The public comment period for Metro's Fiscal Year 2022 budget is officially
open, and Metro's Board of Directors wants your feedback. Metro is
encouraging anyone impacted by changes in this budget to make their voice
heard before the comment period ends at 5 pm. on Tuesday, March 16. 

Metro is facing a significant budget shortfall due to a decrease in
ridership caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, with ridership down about 90
percent and 60 percent on Metrorail and Metrobus, respectively. Federal
relief funding has allowed Metro to avoid layoffs, continue providing
essential travel service, and prepare for transit ridership to return.
However, even with the additional federal funding and management actions
such as limiting the use of contractors and shrinking Metro's workforce by
attrition, there is not enough money to fill the entire budget gap for the
fiscal year that begins July 1, 2021. 

Metro is working with its Congressional delegation to secure additional
funding to continue providing service as the region comes back to work. But
service cuts remain a looming threat, and Metro must plan accordingly.

For more details, click here to view full news release: 
https://www.wmata.com/about/news/FY22-buget-public-comment.cfm
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