In some respects, D.C. Metro has been the poster child for dysfunctional transit systems in recent years, but the states of Virginia and Maryland are close to ensuring a new source of funding that could help stabilize the transit agency.
"The Virginia General Assembly agreed Saturday to give Metro $154 million a year in permanent, new funding," reports Robert McCartney.
The new funding comes "on the condition that Maryland and the District make somewhat larger contributions to provide the transit system with a total of up to $500 million more annually."
The D.C. Metro subway system has lacked a dedicated source of funding since it opened in 1976, so the decision by the Virginia General Assembly can be described as an historic step. Next steps will include resolving the legislation with the State Senate and the governor's office. Maryland is at a similar point in the approval of matching legislation.
The article includes a lot more detail about the ongoing politics of the funding bills in both states.
FULL STORY: Breakthrough in Virginia on Metro funding: Lawmakers approve $154 million
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