advertisement

---

Yesterday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) board approved a $1.9 billion fiscal-year 2007 budget, a $400 million increase compared with FY2006’s budget.

The $1.1 billion operating budget will increase 9 percent compared with FY2006 primarily because of service improvements and escalating costs. However, revenue is projected to rise $65 million because of ridership growth and increased advertising. Local jurisdictions served by WMATA will pay a $461 million subsidy or 5.9 percent more than in FY2006.

The authority plans to operate more eight-car trains, provide regular weekday service on some holidays; extend Yellow Line service to Fort Totten during off-peak hours; eliminate Red Line train turn-backs at the Grosvenor-Strathmore station during off-peak periods; and add an inspector general office.

The $734.5 million capital improvement budget includes funds to purchase 122 new passenger cars; expand yards; overhaul elevators and escalators; add electronic signs at two stations to provide real-time service information; purchase additional bomb-resistant trash cans; and open a new sales and service center at L’Enfant Plaza station.