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ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
Paul Smedberg
Chairman
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
600 5th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Chairman Smedberg:
Thank you for your commitment towards making WMATA a world class transit system,
including your efforts to prioritize safe and secure service. As the WMATA board considers the
proposed FY 2021 operating budget, prioritization must be focused on maintaining frequent and
reliable service. We ask that WMATA reconsider its plans, as outlined in the budget proposal,
for Metrobus service reductions in Montgomery County.
The Metrobus routes currently recommended for service reductions, including the Q, J, L and Z
bus lines, provide transportation for many of our most transit-dependent residents. Service
reductions will disproportionately affect students commuting to Montgomery College, seniors
running daily errands and service workers accessing jobs. Roughly 65,000 Montgomery riders
use Metrobus on a daily basis, and for many these bus routes are their only source of
transportation; more than half of Metrobus riders earn less than $30,000 per year and do not have
access to a car. As noted by a 2015 Harvard University study, access to transportation is the
leading indicator of economic mobility and transit is crucial to linking residents with services
and employment.
Montgomery County is home to communities with the highest transit usage in the state of
Maryland. It is because of our high demand and strong support for public transit that we strongly
encourage WMATA to focus on improving and enhancing our current service patterns rather
than reducing them. Cutting Metrobus service for Montgomery County would be counter to our
regional goals of reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. We ask WMATA to
enhance, not reduce, bus service in Montgomery County.
Sincerely,
Evan Glass, Councilmember, At-Large
Sidney Katz, President, Councilmember, District 3
Tom Hucker, Vice President, Councilmember, District 5
Gabe Albornoz, Councilmember, At-Large
Craig Rice, Councilmember, District 2
Hans Riemer, Councilmember, At-Large
Nancy Navarro, Councilmember, District 4
Will Jawando, Councilmember, At-Large
Andrew Friedson, Councilmember, District 1