Facing a $1.3 billion budget shortfall and rising expenses, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has proposed cutting services to avoid raising fares.
WMATA has not disclosed which services will be cut or reduced, but Public Affairs Officer Candice Smith said that bus services, the least-used transportation option, are the most likely to be cut.
According to the Washington Post, the costs of contractual labor, energy, and services for the disabled have all risen, resulting in $74 million in extra expenses for this fiscal year.
In addition to cutting $87 million worth of services, WMATA General Manager John Catoe is suggesting $103 million in cuts to staffing and administrative expenses.
According to Smith, members of the public will be able to express their opinions on the issue at public hearings which are scheduled for March. WMATA will not make a final decision on the cuts until it approves its final budget in June.
