Setting the record straight on MetroExtra for US 29

Two days ago, Council President Roger Berliner shared a story on Facebook about the political and economic risks of Montgomery County chipping in funds to pay WMATA for a new bus service. He wrote,

“We need a high quality rapid transit system in our county. Soon. And we are on a good path to get there. But what we don’t need is for our county taxpayers to pick up the tab for WMATA services currently paid for by the state. That creates a dangerous precedent that could cost us big time.

Councilmember Roger Berliner
May 7, 2017

I do not know enough about interjurisdictional finance agreements to comment on that topic, but as someone familiar with BRT and bus service, I do want to raise a few other concerns I have with the proposal to implement MetroExtra on Route 29.

In summary, I don’t believe that MetroExtra will provide the benefits that people claim it will, and riders of the Z2, Z6, Z8, and Z11 will not notice an improved level of service with the proposed new route.

Read the full letter below.