Source: Cosmo Condina / Getty
As the region’s problem-plagued Metro system continues its work to address serious safety concerns along the rail lines, it appears the delays and shutdowns may be wearing thin on riders.
Among the causes, Metro cites the January blizzard — which led to a two-day shutdown of the system, costing the agency $6.9 million in lost passenger fares and parking fees. A one-day safety repair shutdown after a fire incident at McPherson Square also is blamed for a decline in ridership and fare revenue. The one-day shutdown lost Metro an estimated $2 million in fares and parking fees.
Source: Filippo Manaresi / Getty
WMATA says a broader decline in service quality also is playing a role in fewer people taking Metro to get around the nation’s capital.
Metro is forecasting ridership and revenue continue to dip through FY2017 as work is done to address serious safety concerns after a series of smoke and fire incidents along the rail system.
