Metro’s money needs

Metro faces a $79 million operating-budget shortfall this year and a $1.5 billion capital-budget shortfall over the next six years. The board’s options to rein in spending in the short term are many. However, in the long run, if Metro wants to continue its mission, fare and fee increases, as well as service changes, must be carried out.

In Metro’s own words, its mission is to ensure “the best in safe, reliable, cost-effective and responsive transit services.” Metro does indeed provides safe, reliable and responsive transportation — for commuters and special-event passengers alike. The costs of those services do not come cheaply. The board is looking at $19 million in higher salaries and wages, and a 25 percent to 35 percent increase in special services for the elderly and disabled. While General Manager Richard White says he will re-examine personnel costs, he conceded that, “no matter how much we cut the expense,” the imbalance is not going to disappear.

We applaud Mr. White for his frank observations that Metro has two bottom lines — spending and revenue. We disagree, however, with his concern that increased fares or cuts in service would add to Metro’s money problems. Metro has few other options. It needs to bolster safety and security. It can increase advertising revenue and pursue privatization in some areas. But it can’t ask the regional governments, all of which are facing similar fiscal constraints, to increase their subsidies.

Cost effectiveness, then, is the area that needs much attention. Maryland wants to cut some its Metrobus routes that are heavily subsidized but poor performers. The District and Northern Virginia should rethink their bus services in those terms, too. Another costly service is MetroAccess, a service for the disabled, whose operating costs are expected to increase by at least $7 million a year. The costs of this premier, curb-to-curb service are high because disabled riders receive deep discounts that other riders — even the truly poor — do not.

What Metro’s board must do is obvious: Meet with regional leaders and detail Metro’s budget problems and solutions. Chief among the solutions must be across-the-board parking and fare increases, including fares for the disabled. Then, Metro must hold public hearings to explain that every taxpayer in the region pays for Metro, while passengers reap the benefits. Some people will balk, considering that fares rose just this summer. But, like toll lanes, Metro is a pay-as-you-go transportation plan. As Metro’s costs rise, so should riders’.