The following is a statement by COG Board of Directors Chair Kate Stewart in response to Maryland’s updated transportation budget plan, specifically the proposal for additional funding for Metro. Stewart is a Montgomery County Councilmember.

“I applaud Governor Moore and his administration for demonstrating regional leadership and stepping up with a significant, multi-year financial commitment to Metro operations as the State of Maryland navigates a challenging budget situation. We eagerly await additional action from the District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Virginia, and our federal partners as we work together to ensure our vitally important transit system is in a strong position to serve the region.”

Since this summer, COG has convened representatives of the governors of Maryland and Virginia and the mayor of the District of Columbia along with local government officials to help address Metro’s looming deficit for its FY 2025 budget and beyond as federal transit relief expires, costs have risen with inflation, and weekday ridership patterns have changed following shifts to commuting habits since COVID. COG's Chief Administrative Officers Committee work group, which includes local city and county managers, chief financial officers, and state representatives, will be issuing its preliminary report and recommendations later this month, which will identify and seek to build regional consensus around key factors to optimize Metro’s cost structure moving forward.

MORE: Overview of the Final FY 24 - FY 29 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Pg 11 notes additional funding to WMATA of $150M for FY 2025 and 2026, increasing to $250M in FY 2027 and beyond