Growls

Two weeks ago, we Growled about what can only be called mismanagement at Metro. For example, we noted that after investing more than $1 billion, internal records showed the projects created new problems. We also noted that in the fiscal year that will start July 1, Arlington taxpayers will provide over $30 million in subsidies to Metro, including $13 million directly from Arlington taxpayers. The editorial in today's Washington Examiner says it's "Time for Metro to get real." Specifically, the Examiner notes that last "Thursday, the Metro Board approved a $1.5 billion budget -- the largest in the transit agency's history -- which includes an 8% increase in the subsidies paid by local governments. But even that won't be enough." They note that Metro's management is trying to get $1.5 billion from the federal government, which is in addition to $1.8 billion in "emergency funding" it has already received, not to mention it's push for a "regional Metro tax." The editorial also notes: "Yet Metro is still planning a $4.2 billion expansion to Tysons Corner, even though the Final Environmental Impact Statement candidly admits that 'the increase in transit ridership associated with (Dulles Rail) would have very little effect on vehicle-trip reduction at the regional level.'" As the Examiner suggested in titling their editorial, it's time for Metro to get real. We would add that it's time for Metro to stop putting the squeeze on Arlington taxpayers.