Metro is seeking to add 263 positions to its payroll, despite pleas of austerity and a request for millions of dollars more in taxpayer subsidies. The transit agency’s budget proposal calls for a workforce of 11,237 for the coming fiscal year, up from the 10,974 positions funded in the current budget.

It’s the second year in a row Metro would add positions, with the agency proposing to add twice as many this time. The additions would negate the effect of past high-profile layoffs.