Metro

Overview of Metro’s Proposed Fiscal Year 22-23 Budget

From LA.streetsblog.org

By Joe Linton

Metro is flush with sales tax and stimulus, but holding to inadequate transit spending, while increasing highway construction

This month, the Metro board is expected to approve the agency’s budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 which starts July 1. Staff have a proposed an annual budget totaling $8.8 billion, up nine percent from FY21-22’s $8.04 billion total. The board vote on the budget is a high-stakes affair, with on-the-fly changes being very rare, and boardmembers generally approving the parameters recommended by staff.

Metro is currently asking for public feedback on its proposed budget. Concerned parties can use Metro’s budget input webpage, email budgetcomments[at]metro.net, or give oral public comment at the Metro FY23 Budget Public Hearing (concurrent with the Metro board Finance and Audit Committee meeting) on May 18, starting at 1:30 p.m. Find meeting information at Metro event page.

Readers seeking budget details can look to Metro’s glossy 11-page FY23 Budget Summary and the 87-page FY23 Proposed Budget, which includes spreadsheets for all of Metro’s programs.

This post features an overview of the proposed FY23 budget, and a recap of earlier SBLA criticism of Metro’s plan to increase freeway expansion capital spending, while decreasing transit expansion capital spending. Streetsblog intends to post further budget analysis this week.

 

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Metrolink invites bicyclists to ride free during ‘Bike to Work’ week

From TheAVTimes.com

Metrolink is celebrating National Bike Month with free fare for riders who board trains with their bicycles during Bike to Work Week, May 16-20, the agency announced.

“Metrolink’s bike-friendly passenger trains are perfect for a summer travel adventure as well as for those riders who use their bikes for part of their commute.” Metrolink Board Chair Ara Najarian said. “And during Bike to Work Week we invite everyone to bring their bike and take the train to work or anywhere they like, free for the entire week.”

The bike month festivities include a “Cycle SoCal” sweepstakes giveaway worth more than $2,500 – including a brand new Aventon e-bike, a Metrolink Monthly Pass, an overnight experience at a local luxury hotel, and dinner for two at a well-known restaurant. Metrolink partnered with e-bike company Aventon Bikes and LOCALE Magazine for the giveaway of a new e-bike that features a 40-mile average range with a foldable frame, pedals, and handlebars, made for easy transportation. To learn more about how to enter the contest, visit Metrolink’s Bike Monthwebpage.

Working with outdoor adventure company AllTrails, Metrolink will share a specially curated lineup of trails for cyclists within two miles of a Metrolink train station and add a collection of bike trail destinations on Metrolink’s EXPLORE webpage. Additionally, Metrolink’s amenities include dedicated bike cars that each hold nine bikes, bike storage lockers at 23 stations, and bike racks at 34 stations.

 

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