Since the DMVMoves regional initiative was formed by the Council of Governments and Metro Boards of Directors on May 1, 2024, the regional transit Task Force has moved closer towards a shared vision for transit as “the backbone of an integrated, world-class mobility network.”
Friday’s Task Force meeting marked a milestone for the group, signaling stronger consensus on the types of investments and changes needed to deliver world-class service and strategies to fund them. DMVMoves agreed that providing adequate resources to maintain and operate the existing system into the future is required. The Task Force also confirmed that the future investment plan it will be proposing this fall should improve transit system performance and cost efficiency, deliver greater benefits to customers and the regional economy, and ensure transit’s long-term viability. Two investments are key to delivering those results: rail system modernization and automation and a regional network of fast and frequent bus service with bus priority treatments. These will improve safety, reliability, and efficiency—future-proofing the regional transit network at a much lower cost than other major transit investments.
“The progress we’ve made over the past year is a testament to the dedication of this region’s leaders,” said Metropolitan Washington Councils of Government Vice Chair and DMVMoves Co-Chair Charles Allen. “We’ve looked at the data and allowed it to shape how our investments will lead to better service across the region. We are headed towards a plan that will set WMATA and our region’s public transit on firm footing for years to come.”
Understanding past constraints, DMVMoves leaders have committed to pursuing a reliable, predictable funding model that includes:
• Predictable, flexible revenue sources
• Capital funds indexed to 3% annual growth to keep pace with average inflation
• Funding that supports secure bond issuance with no restrictions or encumbrances
“There are countless examples of the consequences of failing to plan for the future,” said WMATA First Vice Chair and DMVMoves Co- Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “While we can’t ignore the challenges of the past, we can use the lessons they’ve taught us to guide smarter, more informed decisions for our region moving forward.”
Leaders must now decide how to fund and deliver these key priorities. The Task Force and other regional leaders recognize the urgency of securing dedicated, reliable, long-term funding for the regional transit network. Starting in FY28, Metro faces a serious, long-term capital funding shortfall.
Its existing funding sources aren’t indexed to inflation, eroding Metro’s purchasing power over time. That trend will worsen each year, shrinking Metro’s capital program and deferring critical repairs and safety projects. Without new funding, Metro can’t maintain the system and its assets—let alone deliver the investment plan the Task Force and regional leaders support.
Metro is not the only DMV transit provider facing a projected funding shortfall. Local bus systems, VRE, and MARC also need additional investment to keep the regional transit network safe, efficient, and reliable.
In the coming months, DMVMoves will work to more clearly define investment needs for regional rail and local bus. The Task Force will work on a funding strategy for a long-term, regional investment plan and identify needed legislative support. The plan will also outline action steps for policy changes, customer-facing improvements, and business and service efficiencies that make the regional network more cost-effective and deliver a more integrated, seamless customer experience.
The DMVMoves Task Force of elected and appointed officials is supported by regional leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors serving on two Advisory Groups, one for Community Partners and one for Government Partners. These partners have been evaluating system performance and needs and engaging in candid discussions to determine what it will take to deliver a world-class transit network—one that is safe, efficient, reliable, seamless, and offers an excellent customer experience while meeting the region’s unique needs.
DMVMoves is planning to finalize recommendations by year’s end.
View a recorded livestream of the meeting below and access the presentation from the May 2025 meeting.
