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Last week, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) submitted its proposed $1.53 billion fiscal-year 2006 budget to the board’s budget committee, which will review the proposal during the next six months.

Higher than FY2005’s $1.31 billion budget, the FY2006 proposal includes funds to expand services and programs, enhance service reliability and system cleanliness, and improve safety and customer service. The proposed budget does not include a fare increase.

The new budget also proposes funds to add track inspectors, maintenance personnel, platform supervisors, station managers, mechanics, janitors, customer service personnel and a special project crew to respond to special cleaning needs at rail stations.

During the next fiscal year, WMATA plans to take delivery of 62 Series 6000 cars and purchase an additional 120 passenger cars. The authority also expects to continue developing plans to extend rail service to Washington Dulles International Airport, and building parking structures at the College Park and New Carrollton stations.

The board will make final recommendations on the budget in June; if approved, the budget would take effect July 1.