Background:
On January 11, 2025, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced the public comment period for the General Manager’s proposed FY 2026 operating budget. Comments will be received through February 10, 2025.
The proposed budget totals $2.6 billion, a seven percent overall increase from FY 2025. The proposed six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) equals $12.5 billion, including a proposed $2.4 billion Capital Budget for FY 2026. The proposed operating budget offers improved or static services across all modes – Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess. Of note is the implementation of the Better Bus Network, which aims to streamline and enhance Metrobus service without extra cost. The CIP continues on-going investments and focuses heavily on State of Good Repair, like track and bridge maintenance. Other important capital initiatives include the purchase of 8000-Series railcars, bus replacements, and the conversion to battery electric buses and facilities.
The FY 2026 proposed operating budget seeks $95 million above the three percent subsidy cap. To pay for the proposed services and avoid cuts in FY 2026, as well as FY 2025, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Northern Virginia jurisdictions, and the other partners in the WMATA compact came together to provide the funding needed for two years. However, funding to support the operating budget beyond FY 2026 and the CIP beyond FY 2028 is not certain.
Last year, the Fairfax County Board’s comments to the WMATA Board expressed a strong sense of urgency about future operating and capital budgets and the need to work with jurisdictional partners, Commonwealth elected leaders, and regional stakeholders to address the long-term financial viability of the system. Two efforts have been initiated to address these concerns: DMVMoves and SJ 28. Collectively, these initiatives aim to address cost-containment controls and strategies, along with securing long-term, sustainable, and predictable funding to support WMATA’s operations and capital needs. Fairfax County is taking an active role in both efforts.
The Board usually provides comments on the WMATA budget via a Board Item. However, given the limited amount of time before the public comment period ends, staff has worked with my office to prepare the attached letter, which outlines in more detail the Board’s perspective on the proposed budgets and the long-term viability of WMATA’s operating and capital budgets.
Motion:
Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors approve this letter that provides comments on WMATA’s proposed FY 2026 Operating Budget and FY 2026 – FY 2031 Capital Improvement Program.