WMATA's proposed historic fare hike

[Scrabbleship]

I think a consortium could work right if there were splits on jurisdictional lines. Have all the Maryland agencies cooperate, have all the Virginia agencies cooperate, and have DDOT do routes that operate inside DC or just narrowly leave the District. The Maryland and Virginia consortium can collaborate for cross-river service on the Wilson and American Legion bridges* and there would be an allowance to let suburban providers into DC for cross-jurisdictonal routes (such as an ART-run 38B). It'd put the burdens on the proper jurisdictions themselves rather than have everyone on the hook.

* This also would allow for a hypothetical Leesburg-Frederick route via the Point of Rocks bridge if Frederick and Loudoun counties joined their respective consoritiums.

[mrpete]

Echoing Scrabbleship:

   
   
   
•     The large number of jurisdictions  that participate in the WMATA compact will make any alternative governing body  a serious challenge to implement. Not to mention that the unions will go  ballistic. My very oversimplified approach would be:
  
  ·         WMATA would still be the responsibility of  compact members but limited to:
  o[/size]    Metrorail operations and funding
  o[/size]    Coordination of regional transit planning
  ·[/size]         DC  Metrobus  service to DCDOT
  ·[/size]         Montgomery Metrobus service to RideOn
  ·[/size]         PG Metrobus service, The Bus, Connect-A-Ride to  Maryland MTA
  ·[/size]         VA Metrobus service including cross-river:
  o[/size]    ART: Those primarily operating in Arlington
  o[/size]    ATC: As is
  o[/size]    FFC: Those primarily operating in Fairfax
  
  This will allow each jurisdiction to  operate/fund bus service based on local needs, ability to fund, and be directly  operated or contracted out.
  
  Of course the ultimate fantasy (delusion,  nightmare) is for WMATA to become a Federal agency since it is the principal  beneficiary of Metrorail operations.