Washington Transit Authority to Cut 313 Jobs

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s has a budget gap of $189 million for the 2011 fiscal year. Fare increases, service cuts, and staff reductions have been proposed by Metro Interim General Manager Richard Sarles.

Sarles has also proposed cutting 313 Metro jobs, including positions in the offices of the system’s chief financial officer, communications, and facilities management. He hopes the revenue generated from raising fares will help to avoid cutting services.

The board will vote on the proposed measures on April 29. Any fare increases will take effect June 27, but service changes would not phase in till summer and fall.