Thread by @amaxsmith

Now getting a bit more from #WMATA GM Wiedefeld and Board Chair Smedberg following approval of placeholder budget
wtop.com/tracking-metro…

https://twitter.com/amaxsmith/status/1245724905095802880

New: #WMATA says rail and bus service this weekend will be same as last two weekends - trains only every 30 minutes, 19 stations remain closed, buses on only 26 routes.
Update on next week's service will not come today

Smedberg on how June changes will be decided: A lot to be determined, will lean on GM and staff for guidance "a lot that has to be answered yet"
Work closely with jurisdictions on what they can pay/service priorities

Smedberg: Will have to look at budget in its totality. In a sense, everything will be on the table, but it's way too early to say at this point what in this budget will/won't happen - more info from GM, potential federal funding "a lot of questions" wtop.com/tracking-metro…

Smedberg on risk to Metro if more people keep teleworking long term:
#WMATA has been trying to prepare, position to continue recent ridership gains.
Highlights potential rider boost from weekend flat fare
wtop.com/tracking-metro…

Smedberg: Definitely hearing from local governments on financial pressures. Will keep that in mind, while also trying to do the best for #WMATA

Smedberg also thanks #WMATA workers

#WMATA GM on whether any other service changes are happening in immediate future:
Continue to look at rider impact, equipment and personnel. If we do make any changes, will put that out
"Nothing today, but we will be looking at it next week"

Wiedefeld says timeline for ramping back up will depend on environment -- will deal with equipment maintenance, retraining potentially if this goes on, financial pressures, health concerns, what world looks like - says will do as quick as can to meet community needs

Wiedefeld says he can't pick top things he expects to change in budget in June at this point
(also, Stessel is doing a pretty good impression of me reading the questions I emailed in for this)
wtop.com/tracking-metro…

#WMATA is now estimating loss of $67 million to this point due to #COVID19Pandemic

Wiedefeld again says they are looking at advancing capital projects, but still trying to see if it's doable within health/safety protocols wtop.com/dc-transit/202…

Wiedefeld says he does not expect #WMATA to shut down completely unless directed to

Wiedefeld says it would take a vote of #WMATA Board to close down for an extended period, but he could make a call for a more immediate shutdown if there were a safety issue

Wiedefeld says #WMATA has calls with FTA today about what the new federal money can be used for, and exact breakdowns from the new federal pacakages -- that new funding has not been paid out yet

Need more federal support?
Wiedefeld says it depends on how long this all goes on, would want to be part of recovering expenses but also to help with recovery supporting movement and supporting economy with new or accelerated infrastructure projects

Wiedefeld: #WMATA staff won't be at a point of making final budget recommendations until June wtop.com/tracking-metro…

Wiedefeld expects when things get back toward normalcy, people will return to Metro

Wiedefeld says #WMATA monitoring ridership, workers, etc to help determine service cuts to provide for essential trips

Wiedefeld says the ceremonial budget vote shows that #WMATA is looking to improve the system, and looking forward
It's also required for federal grant applications
Wiedefeld also thanks Metro workers