The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA or Metro) is an integral part of the DMV region and where over 9,000 of Local 689’s members work. Extensive, reliable, and equitable public transit is necessary to make sure that the whole Washington metro region runs. Whether it be getting frontline and federal workers to their jobs, our young scholars to classrooms, or the millions of visitors around our region each year, Metro underpins life for each and every person in the District and its surrounding areas. Local 689 members are proud to be a part of it.

However, going into Fiscal Year 2025, Metro states that it faces an estimated $750 million gap. Should that need go unmet, current proposals have 108 of the 135 Metrobus routes being eliminated or cut; Metrorail would run less frequently and less often with entire stations being shuttered; fares would increase 20%; and over 2,300 full time jobs would be cut, including highly demanded CDL drivers and Metro Transit Police. In short, the cuts would be devastating and allowing for any of them to come to pass would have negative ripple effects both next year and far in the future. It is time for us to make sure that lawmakers fully fund Metro and finally put in place a dedicated funding stream to bring long-term stability to the system!