Statement from Chairman Mort Downey on Behalf of WMATA Board

The following statement was issued Feb. 26 by Metro Board Chairman Mort Downey:

Today the WMATA Board voted to forego any fare increases or substantial cuts in bus or rail service as we move forward with the adoption of a balanced budget.  While the final budget vote will come in the spring, the Board’s action today reflects a continued commitment to further reduce administrative costs and reprogram money from non-safety programs, and signals continued support from our jurisdictional funding partners to help balance the budget and continue our standing fare and service policies.

The Board’s search for a new general manager and chief executive officer is ongoing, as we want to ensure that we identify a candidate with the combination of leadership, transportation, financial and management skills required to move WMATA forward. We appreciate Jack Requa’s outstanding leadership as interim general manager, which will continue until the search has concluded.