SUBSIDIZATION OF TRANSIT OPERATING COSTS: A CASE STUDY OF METRO

The report discusses the reasons why public assistance to urban transit properties is often very necessary. A financial analysis is made of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA or METRO) rail system presently under construction. Ways to relieve deficits are identified. A formula is devised to see how the financing of such deficits might be allocated among the 3 major political jurisdictions in the area: the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland. The proposed formula is based on service, ridership and population characteristics of each of these areas. The analysis is theoretical and designed to offer local transportation planners thought and tools in case operating deficits arise. Political problems and jurisdictional conflicts are alluded to but not discussed in detail.

• Corporate Authors:

  Consortium of Universities

  1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20036
• Authors:
  • Sherman, M M
• Publication Date: 1973-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 45 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Policy; Rapid transit; Subsidies
• Identifier Terms: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
• Old TRIS Terms: Government policies
• Subject Areas: Finance; Policy; Public Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00054513
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: UTC-03-73 Final Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1981 12:00AM