<div dir="ltr"><br><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">---------- Forwarded message ---------<br>From: <span dir="auto"><<a href="mailto:colesve@comcast.net">colesve@comcast.net</a>></span><br>Date: Tue, Feb 21, 2023 at 3:18 PM<br>Subject: FW: Fiscal Year 2024 Budget: Proposed Fare and Service Changes<br>To:  <<a href="mailto:colesve@comcast.net">colesve@comcast.net</a>><br>Cc:  <<a href="mailto:colesve@comcast.net">colesve@comcast.net</a>><br></div><br><br><div lang="EN-US" link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style="word-wrap:break-word"><div><p class="MsoNormal">FYI<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #e1e1e1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Sharma, Anu C. <<a href="mailto:acsharma@wmata.com" target="_blank">acsharma@wmata.com</a>> <br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, February 21, 2023 8:17 AM<br><b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:fcalabia36@gmail.com" target="_blank">fcalabia36@gmail.com</a>; <a href="mailto:zzask@yahoo.com" target="_blank">zzask@yahoo.com</a>; <a href="mailto:pkmezile@rcn.com" target="_blank">pkmezile@rcn.com</a>; <a href="mailto:DorisR@ecnv.org" target="_blank">DorisR@ecnv.org</a>; <a href="mailto:blkteachmd@aol.com" target="_blank">blkteachmd@aol.com</a>; Patrick, Sheehan <<a href="mailto:pat.sheehan1@verizon.net" target="_blank">pat.sheehan1@verizon.net</a>>; <a href="mailto:kelley.simoneaux@gmail.com" target="_blank">kelley.simoneaux@gmail.com</a>; Vanessa <<a href="mailto:colesve@comcast.net" target="_blank">colesve@comcast.net</a>>; Denise Rush <<a href="mailto:Drush301@outlook.com" target="_blank">Drush301@outlook.com</a>>; Deborah Fisher <<a href="mailto:deborahmfisher@gmail.com" target="_blank">deborahmfisher@gmail.com</a>>; Marcie Goldstein <<a href="mailto:marcie.b.goldstein@gmail.com" target="_blank">marcie.b.goldstein@gmail.com</a>>; <a href="mailto:thomas.mangrum39@gmail.com" target="_blank">thomas.mangrum39@gmail.com</a>; <a href="mailto:rdancy0382@gmail.com" target="_blank">rdancy0382@gmail.com</a>; <a href="mailto:Darnise.bush@yahoo.com" target="_blank">Darnise.bush@yahoo.com</a>; <a href="mailto:pposner65@gmail.com" target="_blank">pposner65@gmail.com</a>; Rico Dancy <<a href="mailto:rdancy82@gmail.com" target="_blank">rdancy82@gmail.com</a>>; Azar Attura <<a href="mailto:aattura@yahoo.com" target="_blank">aattura@yahoo.com</a>>; Timothy M Howard <<a href="mailto:timothymhoward@gmail.com" target="_blank">timothymhoward@gmail.com</a>>; Sandy Neuzil <<a href="mailto:sandy.neuzil@gmail.com" target="_blank">sandy.neuzil@gmail.com</a>>; <a href="mailto:tajuan.farmer@gmail.com" target="_blank">tajuan.farmer@gmail.com</a>; <a href="mailto:plwonthego@gmail.com" target="_blank">plwonthego@gmail.com</a><br><b>Cc:</b> Lopez, Carol P. <<a href="mailto:cplopez@wmata.com" target="_blank">cplopez@wmata.com</a>>; Blake, Christiaan P. <<a href="mailto:cblake@wmata.com" target="_blank">cblake@wmata.com</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> Fiscal Year 2024 Budget: Proposed Fare and Service Changes<u></u><u></u></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Greetings AAC Members,<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Please find below a link for information about the Budget Hearings, as well as the same information in this email.<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/" target="_blank">https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/</a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white"><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Making Your Metro Better: Tell Us What You Think<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Metro is committed to improving safety, reliability, affordability, and overall customer experience- and our Fiscal Year 2024 budget aims to fulfill those goals. Gathering input from our customers, local communities and stakeholders is an integral part of the budget process, and your feedback will factor into our Board of Directors' final decisions.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Review the summaries of key proposals below and <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">share your feedback by 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Multi-language Flyers<u></u><u></u></span></h3><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Amharic</span></a> (</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Ebrima">አማርኛ</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">)<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Arabic</span></a> (العربية)<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Chinese (Simplified)</span></a> </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"MS Gothic"">中文</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> (</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Microsoft JhengHei",sans-serif">简体</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"MS Gothic"">）</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Chinese (Traditional)</span></a> </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"MS Gothic"">中文（繁體</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">)<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">French</span></a> (Français)<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Korean</span></a> (</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Malgun Gothic",sans-serif">한국어</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">)<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Somali</span></a> (Soomaali)<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Vietnamese</span></a> (Tiếng Việt)<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Key Proposals<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Read more about our proposals by clicking on the link to jump to the sections below.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/#Budget" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Budget Goals & Priorities</span></a> | <a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/#Metrorail" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Simplified Metrorail Fares</span></a> | <a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/#Fare" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Low-Income Fare Program</span></a> | <a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/#Rail" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Rail Service</span></a> | <a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/#Bus" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Bus Service</span></a> | <a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/#Capital" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Capital Budget</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Resources<u></u><u></u></span></h3><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Take the Survey and Provide Comments</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/faretable.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Rail Fare Calculator</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">Docket Materials</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">FY24 Budget Book</span></a> <img border="0" width="18" height="18" style="width:.1916in;height:.1916in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_10" src="cid:186783f75504ce8e91" alt="PDF Icon"> (detailed breakdown of Metro's proposed operating and capital budgets)<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.wmata.com/service/resources.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Communications Toolkit</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Note</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">: The docket contains the Notice of Public Hearing and the proposed fare, rail, and bus changes.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="80" height="80" style="width:.8333in;height:.8333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_9" src="cid:186783f75505b16b22" alt="megaphone"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white"><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Submit Your Feedback by 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="32" height="32" style="width:.3333in;height:.3333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_8" src="cid:186783f75516917eb3" alt="survey-icon"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Take the survey, provide written comments, or upload documents <a><span style="color:#333333">here</span></a></span></strong><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="32" height="32" style="width:.3333in;height:.3333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_7" src="cid:186783f7551772f6c4" alt="Have more time?"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Have more time? Join us at an Open House and Public Hearing</span></strong>.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">All public hearings will be streamed online on this page, <a><span style="color:#333333">YouTube.com/MetroForward</span></a> or by calling 855-925-2801, meeting code 7756.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Ways to participate:</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">By video: Email <a href="mailto:speak@wmata.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">speak@wmata.com</span></a> by 5 p.m. the day before the public hearing.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">By phone: Dial 855-925-2801, enter meeting code 7756<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">In-person: Register on-site, email <a href="mailto:speak@wmata.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">speak@wmata.com</span></a> or call 202-962-2511 by 5 p.m. the day before the public hearing.<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">All in-person public hearings will start at 6:00 p.m. Metro will host an Open House prior to in-person public hearings starting at 5:00 p.m. All locations are accessible via Metrorail or Metrobus.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">                   <u></u><u></u></span></p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Table is used for display" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;box-sizing:border-box;border-spacing:0px"><tbody><tr style="box-sizing:border-box"><td width="170" valign="top" style="width:127.5pt;border:inset 1.0pt;padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 3.75pt;box-sizing:border-box"><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#333333">Monday, March 6, 2023</span></strong><span style="color:#333333"><br><br>Metro Headquarters<br>300 7th Street SW<br>Washington, DC 20024<br></span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Green Line</span></span><span style="color:#333333"> </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Blue Line</span></span><span style="color:#333333"> </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Orange Line</span></span><span style="color:#333333"> </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Silver Line</span></span><span style="color:#333333">L'Enfant Plaza<br>Metrobus routes: 32, 36, 52, 74, P6<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td width="190" valign="top" style="width:142.5pt;border:inset 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 3.75pt;box-sizing:border-box"><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#333333">Tuesday, March 7, 2023</span></strong><span style="color:#333333"><br><br>New Carrollton Metro Offices<br>4100 Garden City Dr<br>Hyattsville, MD 20785<br></span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Orange Line</span></span><span style="color:#333333"> </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Blue Line</span></span><span style="color:#333333">New Carrollton<br>Metrobus routes: B24, B27, F4, F6, G12, G14, F14, T14, T18<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td width="195" valign="top" style="width:146.25pt;border:inset 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 3.75pt;box-sizing:border-box"><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#333333">Wednesday, March 8, 2023</span></strong><span style="color:#333333"><br><br>Meridian High School<br>121 Mustang Alley<br>Falls Church, VA 22043<br></span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Orange Line</span></span><span style="color:#333333">West Falls Church<br>Metrobus route: 28A<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td width="180" valign="top" style="width:135.0pt;border:inset 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 3.75pt;box-sizing:border-box"><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#333333">Friday, March 10, 2023</span></strong><span style="color:#333333"><br><br>12 p.m. Virtual only<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. ASL interpretation will be provided. To request other accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or other language interpretation services (free of charge), contact the Office of the Board Secretary at 202-962-2511 (TTY: 202-962-2033) or send a message to <a href="mailto:speak@wmata.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">speak@wmata.com</span></a> as soon as possible, so Metro can make the necessary arrangements before the public hearing date.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="80" height="80" style="width:.8333in;height:.8333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_6" src="cid:186783f7551855d355" alt="budget-icon"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white"><a name="m_2566397351692741631_Budget"></a><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Budget Goals & Priorities<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">We're working differently at Metro, and our FY24 budget proposal is no exception. Totaling $4.7 billion, our proposed FY24 budget covers capital and operating expenses from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. It is a reflection of our values and was formulated based on outreach with our customers, employees, the community, and stakeholders through rail station meet and greets, open houses, surveys, town hall meetings and individual interviews.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">We learned what matters most to all of us is more frequent service that is safe, reliable, and sustainable. Our proposed budget aims to overall:<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Provide more frequent and reliable service</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">, including increased train service and a complete redesign of the bus network<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Create a more simplified and equitable fare system</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">, including a low-income fare program<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Improve customer service & communications</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> with a new integrated communications center<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Enhance safety</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> through support of our police force, including new crisis intervention specialists<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Advance sustainability-focused initiatives</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">, including investments in our zero-emission bus program<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Continue capital improvements</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">, including major construction and maintenance projects Watch a video from our General Manager and leadership team about the importance of this year's budget process.<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Watch a video from our General Manager and leadership team about the importance of this year's budget process.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><br clear="all" style="box-sizing:border-box"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="80" height="80" style="width:.8333in;height:.8333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:186783f75519374b66" alt="fare icon"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white"><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Fare Proposals<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white"><a name="m_2566397351692741631_Metrorail"></a><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Simplified Metrorail Fares</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">This proposal will make our weekday Metrorail pricing easier to understand and improve the customer experience. Adjustments include:<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Eliminate peak and off-peak pricing on weekdays before 9:30 p.m.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The base fare would lower from $2.25 to $2 to align with bus, weekend, & late-night service<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Late-night and weekend fares would stay the same at $2<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Maximum fares would increase from $6.00 to $6.50<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The seven-day short-trip pass would be adjusted to cover trips up to $4. The price would stay the same.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Monthly unlimited pass options would reflect the $6.50 maximum fare adjustment.<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="32" height="32" style="width:.3333in;height:.3333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:186783f7551a18c377" alt="calculator-icon"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Rail Fare Calculator</span></strong><u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Will this fare proposal impact the cost of your trip? Find out by using our <a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/faretable.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">Rail Fare Calculator</span></a> tool by entering trip you want to calculate and find out what your fare could be.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><a name="m_2566397351692741631_Fare"></a><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Low-Income Fare Program</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Our new Low-Income Fare Program would offer a 50% discount on Metrorail & Metrobus trips to eligible customers. This program would be accessible to customers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="80" height="80" style="width:.8333in;height:.8333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:186783f7551afa3b88" alt="rail icon"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white"><a name="m_2566397351692741631_Rail"></a><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Rail Service Proposals<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Our FY24 budget rail service proposal provides more trains to reduce travel times, expand destination access and grow ridership. Take a look at the details below.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Frequency Increases for </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Green</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Green</span></strong> and </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Yellow</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Yellow lines</span></strong><u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Opening until 9:30 p.m. - From every 10-12 min to every 6 min<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">After 9:30 p.m. From every 15 min to every 10 min<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Yellow Line begins new service pattern. Terminal change from Greenbelt to Mt Vernon Sq; operating between Huntington and Mt Vernon Sq <strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">only</span></u></strong><u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Frequency Increases for </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Orange</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Orange</span></strong> line<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Opening until 9:30 p.m. - From every 12 min to every 10 min<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Weekday rush hour only (6:30-9:30 a.m., 3-7 p.m.).  From every 10 min to every 7 ½ min<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Red</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Red,  </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Blue</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Blue and  </span><span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Silver</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Silver lines frequencies remain the same<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">With this level of service, trains would arrive every 3-6 minutes in the downtown stations and every 8-12 minutes at stations served by a single line. After 9:30 p.m., trains would operate every 5-10 minutes downtown and every 10-15 minutes elsewhere.<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="80" height="80" style="width:.8333in;height:.8333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:186783f7551bdbb399" alt="bus icon"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white"><a name="m_2566397351692741631_Bus"></a><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Bus Service Proposals<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">We're also working hard to expand access, advance equity and optimize bus routes for our Metrobus customers through these proposals.<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">DC</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">B2 Bladensburg Road-Anacostia</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>Increase Route B2 service to every 12 minutes between 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., 7 days a week, adding to Metro's Frequent Service Network.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Metro for D.C. Amendment Act of 2021</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The Council of the District of Columbia passed the "Metro for DC Amendment Act of 2021" which includes:<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Free Metrobus trips for customers within the District of Columbia<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">All-night Metrobus service every 20 minutes on the following routes: 32, 33, 52, 70, 90, A6, A8, B2, H4, S2, V2, W4, X2 - <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a><span style="color:#333333">View Map</span></a></span></strong><u></u><u></u></span></li></ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Maryland</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">A12 Martin Luther King Jr. Highway | <a><span style="color:#333333">View Map</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>Add more service by splitting the A12 route into two routes, expanding to new connections to (BL) Downtown Largo and (OR) New Carrollton stations. Both routes would operate every 20 minutes from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., 7 days a week, and every 30 minutes otherwise.<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Virginia</span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">16G & 16H Columbia Pike | <a><span style="color:#333333">View Map</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>The proposed new 16M would combine the former 16G and 16H with a new connection to Crystal City station and would operate every 12 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week, and every 15-30 minutes otherwise. The western loop at Arlington Mill will be covered by Arlington Transit (ART).<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#333333;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">11Y Mt. Vernon Express | <a><span style="color:#333333">View Map</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>Reinstate the 11Y express route from Mt. Vernon to Potomac Park, replacing the 11C and DC3 shuttle. Would operate every 30 minutes, northbound in the AM peak and southbound in the PM peak. Express fare would be charged<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><img border="0" width="80" height="80" style="width:.8333in;height:.8333in" id="m_2566397351692741631Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:186783f75511f3aa07a" alt="Construction-icon"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white"><a name="m_2566397351692741631_Capital"></a><span style="font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"inherit",serif;color:#333333;font-weight:normal">Proposed Capital Budget<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing:border-box"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Our proposed $2.4 million capital budget is part of our six-year <a href="https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/capital-improvement-program/index.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color:#333333">capital improvement program</span></a> of $14.4 billion. This aggressive infrastructure plan includes investment in ongoing projects-including bus garage reconstruction projects, escalator replacements, and solar panel installations over parking structures. The investments also prioritize system maintenance and renewal needs, and other investments to provide safe and efficient service.  Our proposed capital budget of $2.4 billion continues to focus on six categories: railcars and railcar facilities; rail systems; track and structure rehabilitation; bus, bus facilities and paratransit; stations and passenger facilities; and operations and business support.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sincerely,<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Anu<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ms. Anupama C. Sharma<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Accessibility Advisory Committee Coordinator, Office of ADA Policy and Planning<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">System-Wide Accessibility / Safety and Readiness<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color:black;background:white">4100 Garden City Drive, 603-01 C, Hyattsville, MD 20785<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cell:  202 – 570 – 0582<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Direct: 202 – 962 – 1934<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Office:  202 – 962 – 1100 <u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p></div></div></div></div>