Press Release: Statement from Councilmember Allen on December Revenue Estimate Funding Metro For DC’s Free Bus Service, Overnight Service, and Bus Improvement Fund

News Release — Ward 6 DC Council member Charles Allen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 30, 2022

Contact: Erik Salmi

The following is a statement from DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) regarding the revised revenue estimate released earlier today by the District’s Chief Financial Officer, indicating there was enough revenue to fund Councilmember Allen’s Metro For DC legislation to make buses free as soon as July 1, 2023, expand overnight bus service to some lines, and create an annual $10 million bus improvement fund.

“This is great news for DC residents. The District’s tax revenue continues to increase, and as a result, we can invest those dollars right back in DC residents by transforming public transit and making every WMATA bus fare free as soon as this summer. DC riders will be able to simply walk on and walk off the bus, and keep more money in their pockets. And our investment in the bus improvement fund means we’re committed to ensuring those buses are coming more often and more reliably. As the incoming Chair of the Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment, I’m looking forward to ensuring Metro For DC is fully funded and implemented in the coming years.”

Background:

Metro For DC passed the Council unanimously and has been sent to the Mayor for her signature. It includes four components:

1. Make all WMATA buses operating inside the District fare free.
2. Extend overnight bus service to 12 lines in the District.
3. Create a $10 million bus improvement fund to improve bus infrastructure and reliability.
4. Create a monthly, recurring $100 balance on a SmarTrip available to all DC residents. This part will not go into effect until 2024 to give time for implementation and funding.

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