That grim anniversary should serve as a warning in Annapolis and Richmond, and a reminder, of the unacceptable consequences of decades spent ignoring Metro’s anemic finances. Metro’s capital deficits are in the here and now, not pending in some gauzy future. In the absence of the additional funding, Metro managers, determined to protect safety standards, would be forced to raid current operating funds. Translation: steep fare hikes and service cuts for a system that has already lost nearly a fifth of its rail riders since 2012. Larry Hogan (R) has signaled that he may allow a shift in state transportation funds in Metro’s favor.

Source: Washington Post January 13, 2018 18:00 UTC