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WMATA sees ridership rebound and lower fare evasion but warns of capital funding cliff
Summary
WMATA officials told the subcommittee ridership and revenues are rising and fare evasion on rail has fallen, but a regional funding shortfall in later years threatens long‑term capital plans; the DMV Moves task force is working on a sustainable funding model.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ridership and revenue have rebounded sharply, WMATA officials and the Department of Legislative Services told the House Appropriations Committee Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee, but agency leaders warned that without a regional, dedicated funding solution the system faces a serious capital purchasing‑power shortfall in coming years.
DLS overview and numbers: The Department of Legislative Services reported that Maryland’s operating grant for WMATA rises by about $40 million (6.3%) for fiscal 2026; the analyst also noted the forecast shows larger declines in out years and described a multi‑year capital funding profile that depends on federal, state and debt sources. DLS said WMATA’s 2024 ridership increased by roughly 42 million trips (a 21% increase year‑over‑year) and that fare‑box recovery for rail hit 23% in 2024.
Operational trends and enforcement: Randy Clark, WMATA general manager and CEO, highlighted safety and ridership gains and described reductions in fare evasion: “fare evasion on the rail system is down about 82%,” Clark said, attributing the change to gate sensors, enforcement and public awareness. Clark told the panel WMATA is outperforming its passenger‑revenue budget and expected to raise revenue forecasts at an upcoming board meeting.
Why long‑term funding matters: Committee members and WMATA and MDOT officials described a looming loss of capital purchasing power if dedicated funding is not indexed and sustained. DLS noted the Maryland share of operating and capital support and that the “DMV Moves” regional task force is developing recommendations; Samantha Biddle, deputy MDOT secretary, said that the region must identify predictable, bondable, and sustainable revenue sources. Clark warned that while WMATA has identified roughly $500 million of internal savings in recent years, the system faces a steep fiscal cliff in later years without new dedicated funding.
Service changes and investments: WMATA’s FY26 proposal includes service restorations and improvements — expanded bus routes and frequency in a Better Bus Network redesign and extended rail service patterns — and capital investments across rolling stock, systems and infrastructure. The analyst said Maryland’s proposed FY26 grant differs slightly from WMATA’s proposed budget because WMATA’s final budget approval occurs after the legislative session; MDOT would amend if necessary.
Safety oversight and operational coordination: Lawmakers pressed WMATA on safety after a Metro Safety Commission report flagged incidents where local fire services were not notified quickly; Clark described existing collaboration in WMATA’s control center, noting a fire department captain and police lieutenant are colocated with operations staff and said WMATA is working with the regional safety commission on corrective action. Clark also highlighted national safety metrics and declining crime statistics on the system.
Ending: Committee members asked WMATA and MDOT to share DMV Moves work products and recommended funding proposals with the subcommittee ahead of final budget votes. Labor and rider groups in testimony urged the state and regional partners to adopt a dedicated, sustainable funding stream to protect capital and operating stability.
