Annual Report on the Performance and Condition of WMATA
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is proud to continue advancing public transit in Northern Virginia with this Annual Report on the Performance and Condition of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Over the last two years, NVTC has contributed to two key regional efforts that were established to identify a long-term funding solution for public transit: DMVMoves, a partnership between WMATA and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and the Northern Virginia Growing Needs of Public Transit Joint Subcommittee (SJ 28) of the Virginia General Assembly.
As DMVMoves identified a unified vision for transit in the region and how to fund a world-class, integrated transit system, SJ 28 assessed ways to meet Virginia’s share of those future needs with new potential revenues and cost containment measures. As these efforts approach final recommendations in late 2025, NVTC’s message is clear: now is the time to invest in a long-term, sustainable, dedicated funding solution for WMATA.
WMATA Operating Funding Solution
$153M
beginning in FY 2027 to permanently sustain Virginia’s two-year additional investment to support WMATA’s operating budget
WMATA Capital Funding Solution
$136-150M
beginning in FY 2028 to meet Virginia’s share of a regional solution to maintain and modernize the WMATA rail and bus system
Both then growing each year thereafter
NVTC also supports a long-term funding solution for Virginia Railway Express and local bus operators in Northern Virginia
Beyond meeting mandated legislative requirements and, in this year’s case, supporting a long-term funding solution for WMATA, NVTC uses its annual report to communicate positions on issues of importance to Northern Virginia jurisdictions related to WMATA. In recent years, NVTC has advocated for operational and policy changes that have been completed by WMATA: redesigning the Metrobus network for more efficient and cost-effective service, updating the subsidy allocation formulas to better align service with subsidy and enhancing the physical safety and security of customers and employees, among others. If implemented, these strategies will enable WMATA to continue improving its cost effectiveness, safety and focus on riders.
Recent collective bargaining agreements have made progress toward controlling labor costs, but there are significant opportunities for Metro to control its overtime costs.
Unlike most peer transit agencies or state and local governments in Virginia, Metro does not have an operating contingency reserve fund. At the right time, the Metro Board should establish an operating contingency reserve fund and adopt associated management policies.
There is an opportunity for jurisdictional partners to streamline and simplify WMATA’s reporting requirements to limit redundancy, consolidate timelines and streamline Metro’s administrative duties.
As conversations on the topic continue in the region, NVTC recommends the funding jurisdictions exercise their audit rights in a coordinated fashion that adds value and minimizes Metro’s administrative burden.
NVTC supports a strong, independent safety oversight body, values critical work of the WMSC and encourages Metro and WMSC to work collaboratively to resolve safety issues.
• Increase Metrobus fare revenue through fare enforcement.
• Identify opportunities to increase non-fare revenue.
• Continue efforts to identify one-time and recurring cost savings through the annual budget process.
Legislative Requirement for the Annual Report on the Performance and Condition of WMATA
NVTC is required by state code (§33.2-3403) to report annually (by December 15) to the Governor and General Assembly on the performance and condition of WMATA.