WMATA solicits public input on $3.1 billion budget for FY2017

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking feedback on its proposed $3.1 billion budget for fiscal-year 2017.

The total includes $1.74 billion for the agency's operating budget and $1.1 billion for capital spending, according to the budget document.

The FY2017 budget calls for no fare increases or service reductions, agency officials said. Additionally, the operating budget reflects a 4.3 percent decrease over FY2016 levels.

In FY2017, the agency will spend $12 million to address the Federal Transit Administration's safety management inspection requirements, which will involve hiring 62 new employees to carry out systemwide rail maintenance, training and recertification, and bus operational testing.

Additionally, the capital budget calls for replacing the generation two track circuits on WMATA's rail system, as well as development of an automated recording process that addresses maintenance and inspections inside tunnels.

The agency's track and structures rehabilitation program will continue to renew and replace ties, running rail, fasteners, switches and insulators as part of WMATA's state-of-good-repair efforts.

The proposed budget includes dollars for full compliance with the 91 corrective actions required by the FTA's safety inspection last year, agency officials said.