Thread by @MetroReasons

We'll be getting a briefing on the proposed #wmata FY2023 budget this morning, which (once approved) would go into effect next July.

Service is proposed to remain the same, but there are some fare changes/discounts to try and lure riders back.

wmata.com/about/board/me…

The #wmata FY2023 proposed budget relies on one-time federal pandemic funds to close a projected $715 million gap. The agency says it would only have $151 million to fill any operating budget gap the year after; that ~$564 million would have to come from somewhere else.

Jayme Johnson is now #wmata Assistant Chief Safety Officer. He previously was tasked with reorganizing the Rail Operations Control Center.

Today's safety message: deer strikes, common this time of year. There apparently have been 23 deer train strikes since July; 11min avg delay

First up, the #wmata Board is swearing in its newest member, Dr. Tracy Hadden Loh (of Brookings and other organizations, including the Greater Greater Washington Board of Directors). She'll be a DC principal Board director.

[editorial note: the GGWash Board of Directors has no input into the editorial process involved in publishing on ggwash.org and doesn't view/review/edit/change the content of my stories that end up being published there. ggwash.org/about/greater-…]

We have hit another wicket in the lengthy process of returning the 7000-series trains to service. No timeframe on when that might be.

https://twitter.com/JWPascale/status/1456247119602462723

#wmata

#wmata

https://twitter.com/JWPascale/status/1456249575891685377

Again, #wmata is adding revenue/expenses from the opening of Silver Line Phase II in its draft FY23 budget. We still don't have a date when those new stations out to Dulles Airport might open.

"Growing operating and maintenance costs associated with completed capital projects"
#wmata

Tom Webster name-dropped priority bus lanes, queue jumps, and Transit Signal Priority as part of the #wmata capital budget presentation. (I'm not aware of specific projects being worked w/local jurisdictions or any timelines on when any of these would be completed & implemented)

#wmata's Tom Webster says the agency is making good progress on reducing its state of good repair backlog. Ongoing major overhaul projects now through FY2031 will help bring that down further - but also means ongoing impacts to riders as the agency replaces older systems.

Babers: bus/rail free transfers? Big DC priority.
Anosike: FY23 draft budget includes free transfer

Discounted 7-day unlimited pass + Add Value Bonus items in draft FY23 budget are 6-month pilots only

T Webster: exploring buying EVs for MetroAccess fleet
#wmata

In response to Slater q, Wiedefeld says he's concerned about restoring Metrobus service to last year's levels with ongoing operator vacancies. Says it's an industry-wide issue. Some routes have already been impacted w/buses not running.
#wmata

Webster: BBB/new fed $ could change FY24 budget, but likely not FY23 just b/c of timing

$20M "equity initiative" funding placeholder for now; could be used for service increases, etc. TBD

Kline: passes cld skew ridership towards those w/$25+
Fare capping in cap budget?
Tom: Yes

Loh: 8Ks?
Wiedefeld: proceeding w/8K procurement as planned; no impact yet from 7K investigation.

Anosike: Metro is a leader nationally in joint development
Loh: "that's a low bar"
(original Q why #wmata estimated joint dev revenue is lower)

Loh: "It sounds like we think that the problem keeping people off Metro is cost. I don't think that's what it is." Riders want fare relief now (7K derailment/limited service), and need to think bigger-picture about framing safety vs other modes
#wmata