Riders Sound Off On Metro Cuts
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The unnamed regional advisers to Metro who endorsed the option of closing the rail system at 10 p.m. very likely did the transit authority a favor. Compared with that draconian step, none of the more realistic options for cuts that were outlined last week seems like a big deal.
On Thursday, Metro staff presented the board of directors with a range of budget-balancing options that included longer gaps in arrival times for trains and buses, elimination of some bus routes and closure of some station entrances at night or on weekends.
The board hasn't accepted them, and you don't have to, either. On last week's Commuter page, we asked for suggestions on how Metro should respond to its budget problem. These letters reflect some of your themes. Look for more this week on my "Get There" blog.
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Instead of looking only at cuts to service, consider adding more profitable service that could subsidize the les-profitable but needed routes. For example, adding express bus service at fares high enough to generate profits could make sense.
-- Adrienne Schmitz Vienna
Close the system at 10 o'clock every night? A nonstarter. It would kill the system and have a severe impact on the local economy. Dropping Yellow Line service totally on evenings and weekends? Again, a nonstarter. You'll just encourage people to drive.
Eliminating Yellow Line service between Mount Vernon Square and Fort Totten? This is a reasonable cutback. Increasing train intervals to 20 or 30 minutes? No way! I'd never take Metro on weekends.
Reduce midday service between Grosvenor and Shady Grove? And what would those people do for transportation? Get in their cars?
