April 2, 2020
Dear neighbor,
While we continue to respond to the coronavirus outbreak, my office and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) are also working to make sure the District is set up for success when we get to the other side of this coronavirus crisis.
Today, WMATA's Board of Directors voted to approve the 2021 budget, which will go into effect on July 1, 2020, pending further developments related to the coronavirus outbreak. The 2021 budget includes:
- Reduced price for seven-day bus passes
- $1 bus/rail transfer discount
- Extended late-night rail services
- $2 rail flat fare on weekends
- Increased rail frequency on Sundays
Most importantly, WMATA heard District residents' concerns about changes to bus routes. I am pleased to report that the Council's advocacy through our
letter
to WMATA was effective, and WMATA responded by ensuring critical bus routes in bus dependent communities will not be eliminated or significantly altered. I want to thank the District's members on WMATA's Board of Directors for representing our residents so well.
Best,
Robert
