Will Sequestration Impact Metro in Reston?

With Metro's Silver Line set to open in December, surely this is a time where the transportation system is fully funded, right?

Not exactly. Sequestration will impact Metro’s longterm projects, likely delaying bus purchases, station improvements and possibly deferring the agency’s plan to replace its fare-card system with one allowing credit cards, according to a report from The Washington Post.

The agency will receive $8 million less in federal funds as a result of the mandatory federal cuts. Metro had expected to lose as much as $12 million. It receives $150 million annually from the federal government, a number that is matched by local participating jurisdictions. 

Meanwhile, officials say Phase 1 of the Silver Line is 89 percent completed and on track for testing to begin this summer. Phase 1 will run from Tysons Corner to Reston's Wiehle Avenue.

Wiehle will be the end of the line for at least five years. Phase 2 will run from Wiehle to Ashburn.

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Metro is currently accepting bids from tech firms to develop a new system that would allow customers tap their credit card or mobile phone to pay fares, according to WAMU.

Sequestration could also possibly affect Metro’s revenue if federal workers are furloughed. Officials with the transit company estimated the loss could be as much as $10 million, according to the Post.

Metro is also considering closing mezzanine-level entrances at some stations on weekends. Higher fares and weekend track work has resulted in decreased rail ridership for the agency.

Check out all things Silver Line on Reston Patch's Silver Line Topic Page.