A trio of U.S. senators from the Washington area on Friday called on their colleagues to approve a $1.5 billion federal payment to Metro for capital upgrades, on the condition that regional jurisdictions come up with dedicated transit funding as well.
Maryland Sens. Benjamin Cardin and Barbara Mikulski, and Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, all Democrats, urged the Senate to take up their bipartisan Metro funding bill this month. On the eve of a major fare increase, the senators said, suburban riders need help before they are socked with even higher parking and rail fees.
“As the employer of nearly half of all rush-hour Metro riders, the federal government has a responsibility to its workers and the region to support the revitalization of Metro’s aging infrastructure,” Cardin said in a statement. “After 30 years of unprecedented growth, Metro has proven its value to the federal government in easing the burden on our region’s over-crowded roads on a daily basis and during major crises.”
The bill, which has already been reported to the Senate floor, authorizes the appropriation of $1.5 billion to upgrade Metro’s aging infrastructure. But it also requires that Maryland, Virginia and D.C. come up with dedicated funding to match the federal grant. D.C. and Virginia have agreed, though Maryland has lagged.
“It’s a very important step and it will help us in the future get the dedicated funding into place,” said Metro Board Member Jim Graham of the District. “Until the monies are appropriated, it doesn’t do anything.”
The bill also would create an Inspector General’s Office within Metro to root out waste and fraud.
Similar legislation authored by Republican Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia is awaiting a vote by the full House.
“We’re confident the Democratic leadership will get it to the floor early this year,” said Brian McNicoll, Davis’ spokesman.
Starting Sunday, Metro customers will pay as much as $10 more per week to park in a Metro lot and ride Metrorail. The minimum rush-hour rail fare will increase 30 cents to $1.65, while the maximum will grow 60 cents to $4.50.
