The WMATA Board of Directors adopted a $4.8 billion operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2027 on Wednesday, with planned service improvements and no increase to Metro Bus or Rail fares.
Bus service improvements are scheduled to begin in June, with additional bus and rail changes planned for December. The budget includes improvements on select Metro Bus routes in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, while rail riders will see increased weekday off-peak service on the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines, as well as additional late-night frequency on the Red Line.
The capital budget also includes funding for the first steps of rail modernization on the Red Line, Metro’s original line, which opened more than 50 years ago.
WMATA officials said the budget increases jurisdictional subsidy by less than 1.8%, which is below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target. “Over the past year, our Board has focused on ensuring transparency and accountability of WMATA operations and decision-making, ensuring that risks are mitigated appropriately, and that WMATA operates efficiently and safely,” WMATA Board Chair Valerie Santos said. “The budget that we adopted balances today’s service needs with the budget realities of our local funding partners.”
Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said the added service comes as Metro continues to see strong ridership growth. “Metro has led the country in ridership growth in recent years, and this additional service will help meet the growing demand on bus and rail,” Clarke said. “We remain committed to running safe, frequent, and reliable service for our customers and planning for future rail modernization that would make Metro Rail even safer and more efficient.”
Metro Bus and Rail fares will remain at current rates. Beginning July 1, Metro will administer a $3 administrative fee for each Abilities Ride trip.
