WMATA Reports $4.8 Billion Budget Proposal For FY2027

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has advanced a combined capital and operating budget proposal of $4.8 billion for fiscal year 2027. A public comment period on the proposed budget is scheduled to conclude on February 10, with feedback to be presented to the WMATA board in March.

Operational plans within the budget outline increased Metrorail service frequency during weekday, evening, and late-night periods. The proposal includes provisions for additional peak-period capacity and maintains current passenger fare levels. Service delivery modifications include adjustments to the deployment of six-car and eight-car trainsets.

Capital program investments are directed toward core infrastructure, including the procurement of new rail cars and the rehabilitation of track and structures. The budget also allocates funds for upgrades to stations and passenger facilities. A key technical initiative involves the advancement of train automation systems to support service reliability.

The proposed budget is structured to accommodate projected ridership growth associated with regional economic development, including the planned entertainment venue at National Harbor in Maryland. Other large-scale U.S. transit infrastructure projects currently in development include the Sepulveda Transit Corridor in Los Angeles.