Budget season in Los Angeles is in full swing. As the Budget and Finance Committee makes its final recommendations to the City Council this week about LA's $9.2 million budget, Metro has also begun deliberating on the agency's fiscal year 2018 $6.1 billion expenditure plan. The budget is a statement of the agency's priorities and reflects the will of riders and voters, who approved Measure M in November 2016.With the passage of Measure M, Metro remains focused on realizing its goals of improving and expanding bus and rail service, while maintaining a balanced budget that's accountable to taxpayers.
The 2018 Metro budget is also linked to the agency's goals for advancing safety and security for customers, the public, and Metro employees; improving the customer experience and expanding access to transportation options, increasing transit use and ridership, implementing an industry-leading state of good repair program, investing in workforce development, and promoting innovation to increase measurable outcomes for the region.
What's in Metro's Budget?
There are no overall changes to its service hours, however, service has been right-sized to increase peak frequencies on priority bus lines. The delivery of new light rail vehicles in the upcoming fiscal year will also meet growing demand on the Expo Line and Gold Line, representing an 11.6% increase in rail service hours.
The two largest expenses for the agency are building new projects and transit operations.
Funding will also increase to regional partners by $200 million to support transit and transportation improvements in local communities.
The 2018 fiscal year will continue on the big three Measure M construction projects: Crenshaw/LAX, Regional Connector, and the Purple Line Extension, while also breaking ground on the Airport Connector.
Metro wants your input. On Wednesday, May 17, I urge you to attend the public hearing to discuss your transit priorities. If you can't make it to the meeting, use the online budget survey tool to give your feedback: lametro.force.com/onlinebudget.
Metro Public Hearing on the FY 2018 Budget
Wednesday, May 17, 1 pm
Metro Headquarters Board Room
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
As always, if you have questions or comments, please contact me: [email protected] or (213) 755-7676.