Washington DC DOT seeks to privatize some Metro routes and DC Circulator

[WMAveteran]

On Saturday July 20, 2013, THE WASHINGTON POST reported that DC DOT "is seeking a private contractor to take over about two dozen (Metro) bus routes and the popular DC Circulator bus system."  "Operating the buses would be part of a larger deal in which a private contractor would also build and operate a streetcar system in Anacostia and along the H Street corridor."  "City officials said the move is meant to create a more unified, efficient transportation system under one contract that would be worth at least $1.5 billion over 30 years."
Needless to say the unions are not happy. 

[Chargerdodge9]

Reminds me of the MTA Long Island bus mess back in 2010-2011.

[Sand Box John]

Of all the jurisdictions that are members of the WMATA compact the District of Columbia is the last holdout on operating an independent transit service. The primary reason why the independent services exist in the other jurisdiction is because of the cost the members would have to pay to WMATA if they operated the service.

Narrowing the subject a bit, I think lack of coordination between the 3 streetcar / light rail projects is going to bite them in the ass at some time down the line.

[Chargerdodge9]

Why is this such a problem? Lack of funding?

[BigPimpinSlimDB]

Of course lack of funding is a issue. Thats the main reason why there's dumped down transit service in Prince George's county