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The METRO Board of Directors has adopted the agency’s FY2027 Business Plan and Budget, approving a fiscally responsible plan that maintains current transit service while strengthening METRO’s long-term financial position.
The adopted budget is the result of public discussion, financial review and collaboration with customers, employees, community stakeholders and regional partners. Throughout the process, Board members and METRO staff evaluated priorities, considered feedback and examined multiple approaches to balance the needs of customers with responsible management of public resources.
“This Board worked hard on this budget, and I’m proud of where we landed,” said METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “I want to thank Mayor John Whitmire for his leadership in encouraging greater collaboration across our city, county and region. We took that direction seriously, listening to our riders, partners, stakeholders and regional leaders throughout this process. This budget keeps our focus where it belongs: providing safe, clean, reliable and accessible service, taking care of the buses, trains and facilities our customers depend on, and continuing to improve our existing system. We will also continue to right-size and update service based on ridership and customer needs so that our resources are aligned with how people are actually using the system.”
The adopted budget uses an updated sales tax forecast that better reflects current economic conditions and projects an additional $29.2 million in sales tax revenue, 2.6% above the original estimate. METRO also updated its budgeting approach to account for both sales tax and operating grant revenue when determining available funding.
Together, these changes allow METRO to maintain current service levels without previously contemplated service reductions. The adopted budget also avoids restructuring debt or using reserve funds in FY2027.
“Developing a responsible budget means looking carefully at every option and making sure our resources are aligned with the services our customers depend on most,” said METRO Interim President and CEO Tom Jasien. “This budget maintains that service while meeting our financial obligations and protecting METRO’s ability to serve this region for years to come.”
The Board-approved budget positions METRO to enter FY2027 with a strong financial foundation and a continued commitment to dependable transit service and regional collaboration.
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