Regional leaders in DC, Maryland, and Virginia made history this year by securing $500 million in annual dedicated funding for Metro. MetroNow coalition was there every step of the way, encouraging elected leaders to pass legislation in the 2018 General Assemblies. Now, Metro has the long-term, dedicated funding it needs and we can set our sights on governance reform.
What’s the latest?
Maryland
On Thursday, April 5, Maryland’s House took the final vote on the bill to fully fund our Metro system, and it passed 96 to 41!
The bill pledged Maryland’s full $167 million share of the $500 million in funds Metro needs to restore safe and reliable service and has been signed by Governor Hogan.
You can read our press statement here.
Virginia
On Saturday, March 10, Virginia passed dedicated funding and reform for our Metro system! The bill pledged Virginia’s full $154 million share of the $500 million in funds Metro needs to restore safe and reliable service.
The bill has been signed by Governor Northam.
You can read our press release here.
You can access the full bill language here.
Federal
Two main bills were introduced at the federal level by members of the regional Congressional delegation at the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA 10) introduced the METRO Accountability and Reform Act in December, and Gerry Connolly (D-VA 11) introduced an alternative bill in late January. $150m/year of federal PRIIA funding is currently due for reauthorization for FY19. MetroNow has called upon the administration and Congress to maintain and expand PRIIA funding.
Upcoming hearings:
- We will update here as more information becomes available.
District of Columbia
On April 13, Mayor Bowser officially signed DC’s Metro Funding Bill, including $178 million per year in dedicated, long-term, renewable funding for Metro in the budget.
After confirming their support for dedicated funding equal to DC’s share under the established funding formula of $178 million, Mayor Bowser and the Council signed the bill into law.
MetroNow Testimony & Letters of Support
Many MetroNow members have testified at various hearings across the region and in Annapolis and Richmond speaking to the importance of dedicated funding and reform. As they’re available, find copies of MetroNow members’ testimony below, as well as public letters of support for reforming and funding Metro from various MetroNow members and allies:
- Letter to Support Maryland Metro/Transit Funding Act
Coalition letter – March 20, 2018 - MD Board Member Act testimony
Greater Washington Partnership – February 7, 2018 - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Dedicated Funding Act of 2017 testimony to DC Council
Greater Washington Board of Trade – February 7, 2018 - Maryland Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Act testimony
Coalition for Smarter Growth- February 13, 2018 - Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments testimony on dedicated funding for Metro
Federal City Council- February 14, 2018
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Dedicated Funding Act of 2017 testimony to DC Council
Federal City Council – February 7, 2018 - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Dedicated Funding Act of 2017 testimony to DC Council
Coalition for Smarter Growth – February 7, 2018 - Maryland Metro Funding Act testimony
Coalition for Smarter Growth – February 13, 2018 - Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments testimony on dedicated funding for Metro
Coalition for Smarter Growth- February 14, 2018