Metro public hearing
» The options:
1. Service cuts and capital funds
Delay maintenance projects by pulling $12 million from the capital budget and reducing bus and rail service by $4 million, including: Cutting eight-car trains during rush hour; increasing wait times for trains to up to 30 minutes; closing Metrorail entrances; and modifying service on six bus lines, including 14th Street, North Capitol Street, Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda-Silver Spring, Columbia Pike, and Columbia Heights West-Pentagon City lines.
2. All capital funds
Cover the entire $16 million by drawing from the capital budget, delaying maintenance projects such as renovation of rail yards.
3. Smaller fare increase and midsized capital funds
Increase fares by 5 cents from March 1 through June 30 on Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess to generate $4.8 million and tap $11.2 million from the capital budget.
4. Bigger fare increase and less capital funds
Increase fares by 10 cents and on passes by 10 percent from March 1 through June 30 to generate $9.6 million and tap $6.4 million from the capital budget.
» When: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday
» Where: Metro headquarters, 600 Fifth St. NW, Washington, D.C.
» How: Those who wish to speak should register in advance and mention it is for Hearing #547. To submit written comments or sign up to speak, contact:
Mail: Office of the Secretary, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 Fifth St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Fax: 202-962-1133
E-mail: [email protected]
Montgomery County’s Ride On Forum
» What: The county proposes eliminating nine weekday routes, slashing 15 weekend routes, trimming portions of other lines and cutting 52 bus operator jobs.
» When: 6:30 p.m., Feb. 1
» Where: Executive Office Building cafeteria, 101 Monroe St., Rockville
» How: Those who wish to speak must sign up in writing by the close of business Monday: 240-777-5801 (fax) or 240-777-5800 (phone). Send written comments by 5 p.m, Friday to [email protected] or Division of Transit Services, Ride On Public Forum, 101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Rockville, MD 20850
Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission
» What: The commuter and local bus service for Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park is proposing raising fares by as much as 15.7 percent. Riders using plastic SmarTrip farecards would see increases of:
– OmniRide fares from $4.75 to $5.25 or even $5.50 per trip.
– Metro Direct from $2.40 to $2.65.
– OmniLink local fares from $1.10 to $1.20.
» When/where: The commission is hosting public hearings and an online forum.
– Noon, Feb. 9: online forum at PRTCtransit.org
— 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Feb. 10: Hearings at the PRTC Transit Center in Woodbridge.
— 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Feb. 11: Hearings at Manassas City Hall, 9027 Center St., Manassas.
» How: Written comments must be submitted by Feb. 12 to [email protected] or to PRTC Transit Center, 14700 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192.
