The Washington D.C. Metro system has announced that there is a significant budget gap in next year’s budget, and if the budget gap isn’t closed, the Metro will experience cuts in service. The Metro will also freeze the hiring process and lay off hundreds of jobs because of the budget gap. Metro management states that the budget gap is currently $750 million, and is largely due to rising inflation, decreases in metro riders, as well as lack of local government funding. Riders could experience a decrease in over 60% of metro services, lengthened wait times, and decreases in bus lines along with the reductions in metro lines. The metro system has until July 2024 to find solutions to the budget problem, but management is planning to announce layoffs in late 2023 if the problem has not been resolved.
See "Washington D.C. Metro system’s severe budget gap will result in cuts in service and layoffs, and is seeking aid from local governments", Adam Tuss, NBC Washington, September 27, 2023