Posts tagged Wmata Budget
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WMATA Board approves public hearings
This morning, the WMATA Board approved public hearings encompassing the broadest possible range of options for their $190 million budget gap. In addition to the options staff had placed in the proposed docket, Board members asked to add all of the additional ideas proposed by the Riders’ Advisory Council, Greater Greater Washington, MetroRiders.Org and others. Staff… Keep reading…
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WMATA releases more fare increase options
Heeding the request of the Riders’ Advisory Council, advocates and blogs, WMATA staff released a larger set of options, especially for fare increases. The Board is expected to approve a public hearing that will let riders choose between these options, service cuts, and using capital dollars. The Board meeting should start soon. You can listen by clicking on the large… Keep reading…
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What do you want to do about labor costs?
Craig’s recent series on WMATA’s FY2011 budget examined the range of options available to the General Manager and the Board, from service cuts to fare increases to administrative savings and more. One element not discussed was reducing the pay and benefits to union members. Craig is in fact affiliated with the union, though his opinions here are his own. However,… Keep reading…
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WMATA budget deep dive, part 9: An alternate proposal
In this series, I’ve analyzed WMATA’s proposed budget and searched for ways to close a $189.2 million gap without driving away passengers and entering a “death spiral” of fare increases and service reductions. In my day (and often night) job I represent ATU Local 689 in political and legislative affairs. That’s the union that represents most… Keep reading…
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WMATA budget deep dive, part 8: Other ideas
There are other potential areas in WMATA’s proposed FY2011 budget that might yield some savings or revenue can without a major impact on service or fares. These include better fare collection and labor costs. Fare Collection: Sometimes customers are willing to pay a fare, but there is not a reasonable means to do so, or where current policies are easily abused. Here are… Keep reading…
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WMATA budget deep dive, part 7: Items with little impact
While fares and service are the big dogs when it comes to the WMATA FY 11 budget, there are other measures that can impact the bottom line. Among these are advertising, retail, MetroAccess, and parking. Advertising: The first idea most riders jump to upon hearing of the budget gap is more advertising. Unfortunately, advertising revenues will likely drop substantially in FY11,… Keep reading…
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WMATA budget deep dive, part 6: Are there capital projects that can be deferred?
WMATA proposed budget to close a $189 million gap for FY 11 contains substantial fare increases and service reductions on bus and rail. As an alternative to the some of the more draconian measures proposed, some have suggesting using of capital funds for operating expenses. We shouldn’t dismiss this entirely out of hand. In a previous post, I listed some criteria… Keep reading…
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WMATA budget deep dive, part 5: Is the fare fair?
Do WMATA fare hike and service cut proposals put a disproportionate burden on low income and minority populations? WMATA General Manager John Catoe has proposed an FY11 budget that includes $89.2 million in fare increases and $33.7 million in rail and bus service reductions. In a 2007 survey, WMATA found that Metrorail passengers had a median income of $102,000,… Keep reading…
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WMATA budget deep dive, part 4: A better fare increase?
WMATA’s $87.9 million fare increase would drive away an estimated 15.1 million trips over the year. Is there a way to raise similar amounts of revenue but reduce ridership loss? Some riders are more price-sensitive than others. According to WMATA, Metrorail fare increases in the peak period generate a smaller percentage of passenger loss than off peak or weekend fare… Keep reading…
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WMATA budget deep dive, part 3: Fare proposals
WMATA’s proposed FY 11 budget calls for a $87.9 million Metrorail and Metrobus fare increase as part of its proposal to close a $190 million budget gap. Some fare increases carry larger ridership losses than others, which gives us a way to evaluate these fare proposals and suggest alternatives. Overall fare increases on Metrorail average a little over 15% whereas bus… Keep reading…