Montgomery County residents and councilmembers are fighting against proposed disruption of Metrobus services in some areas of the county.
The Transportation Committee held a town hall Monday night offering both residents and county officials a space to discuss the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) proposed 2021 budget. The $2 billion operating budget threatens some bus routes in the county with cuts and service reductions.
Bus services between Rockville and Shady Grove Metro stations might be completely eliminated, according to the new budget published by WMATA. It would cut services on Q1, Q2, Q5 and Q6 on Veirs Mill Road. Other service reductions would affect routes Z2, Z6, Z8 and Z11. WMATA also plans to cut service on bus routes B29, B30, C11, C13, C28, F12 and W14.
Testimonies from residents highlighted the economic impact that the changes would bring to the county, especially for low-income workers who rely on Metrobus transportation.
Councilmember Evan Glass, a member of the transportation committee and advocate for bus services in the county, stressed “the importance of good, reliable bus service.”
Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and provide feedback on the budget by Monday, March 9.
Compelling testimony from @janeplyons, @PartapMoCo, @bradjstewart17, @ATULocal689 and @RentersRights on the equity and economic opportunities associated with our bus system.
— Evan Glass (@EvanMGlass) March 3, 2020
Thank you to everyone who attended tonight’s @wmata town hall and shared their stories about the importance of good, reliable bus service.
You still have until March 9 to share your thoughts on the FY21 budget.
Visit https://t.co/gqyHCCwtSz to register your opinion.
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— Evan Glass (@EvanMGlass) March 3, 2020
