Northern Virginia: WMATA proposes eliminating bus routes
Previously at DU:
Tue Sep 29, 2020: Metro opens public comment period on service cuts, other actions necessary as federal funding ends
WMATA proposes eliminating bus routes
October 8, 2020
By Missy Schrott | mschrott@alextimes.com
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is proposing budget cuts that could result in decreased rail and bus service in Alexandria. ... Like most sectors, public transportation has been impacted by the coronavirus. Due to the pandemic-induced revenue decrease, WMATA predicts that it will need to cut $215 million from its fiscal year 2021 budget and between $450 and $470 million from its FY2022 budget.
As a result, WMATAs midyear budget proposal, which has been approved by the WMATA board for public hearing, recommends eliminating certain bus routes in Alexandria and reducing services.
Specifically, WMATA proposes permanently eliminating the 7W, 8S, 8W, 8Z, 10E, 11Y, 21A, and 21D bus routes. All of these routes are currently suspended because of the pandemic, but the temporary change could become permanent if the budget is approved. The proposal also recommends eliminating NH2 weekend service and reducing service on three routes: the Metroway, 22A and 22F.
WMATA will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. Speakers who cannot attend the virtual hearing live can also submit audio or video comments. For more information on how to submit comments, go to
www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget.
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