How Much Funding Should Metrorail Get from the Economic Stimulus Package?

Metrorail officials have unveiled a list of projects before The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board for inclusion in the region’s six-year transportation improvement program. They say these projects are ready to go and are hoping to get substantial funding from Congressional economic stimulus funds. The projects are estimated to total $230 million. Some examples of Metro’s stimulus projects include:

• Replacing Metro’s oldest buses
• Replacing crumbling platforms
• Installing SmarTrip purchase capabilities at more Metro fare vending machines
• Enhancing bus garage security
• Installing technologies to improve bus route and schedule information
• Rehabilitating the oldest stretch of track in the rail system
• Building a railcar inspection and test facility to speed up the process of putting railcars into service
• Updating the train arrival signs on platforms and mezzanines
• Replacing the Metro Center Customer Sales Facility
• Expanding and replacing vehicles for paratransit service

I'd be the first to agree that the Washington, DC area has lots of room for improvement when it comes to transportation issues. Ridership on Metrorail is growing - the system needs a lot of maintenance and expansion to keep up with future demand. However, if the economic stimulus package is about creating new jobs, I don't see how replacing buses will do that. I guess someone has to build those buses, but is this really going to boost the national economy? It seems to me that the economy in the Washington, DC area is stronger than most other parts of the country and the funds should probably go to creating jobs in those areas that have been most affected. As much as I would like to see local improvements made in lots of ways, I think the DC area should not get too much of the stimulus funding. I'm glad to hear that President Obama was meeting with the nation's mayors today and hope that the funds are appropriated in a way that is fair and effective. This is just my opinion. What do you think?

Related Articles

Economic Stimulus Package

The 2009 Economic Stimulus Package - How it Could Affect You

What's Your Take on the Economic Stimulus Bill?