Politics & Government

Sequestration Likely to Delay Metro Station, Fare System Improvements

Bus purchases, station improvements and plans to replace Metro's farecard system likely to be delayed as agency receives $8 million reduction in federal funding.

Sequestration will affect Metro’s long-term projects, likely delaying bus purchases, station improvements and possibly deferring the agency’s plan to replace its farecard system with one allowing credit cards, according to the Washington Post.

The agency will receive $8 million less in federal funds because of the sequester. Metro had expected to lose as much as $12 million. It receives $150 million annually from the federal government, a number that is matched by local participating jurisdictions, including Arlington.

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Metro is currently accepting bids from tech firms to develop a new system that would allow customers tap their credit card or mobile phone to pay fares, according to WAMU.

Sequestration could possibly affect Metro’s revenue if federal workers are furloughed. Officials with the transit company estimated the loss could be as much as $10 million, according to the Post.

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Metro is also considering closing mezzanine-level entrances at some stations on weekends. Higher fares and weekend track work has resulted in decreased rail ridership for the agency.

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