Metro's finance committee proposes a $9.4 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, amid a looming $2.3 billion deficit through 2030 and uncertainty in federal funding. The budget increases public safety investments to $390 million in response to rising violence against transit operators. Key infrastructure projects, including bus lane and rail projects, are also prioritized. However, economic factors like tariffs and inflation complicate future financial planning, as highlighted by the agency's leadership in discussions on balancing funding with safety needs.
"As we look ahead to major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, we know we'll have to make some tough decisions. But we'll always use our core values to guide us." - Tim Sandoval
"The agency is facing a deficit of $2.3 billion through 2030." - Stephanie Wiggins
Residents cited safety as a top priority for Metro... The transit agency's proposal includes more than $390 million for public safety - a nearly 2% increase from the last fiscal year.
The bulk of the budget would go to transit operations, with nearly $3 billion marked for rail and bus expansion and more than $2 billion for infrastructure planning.
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