Fifty years ago, a transportation system built on a robust road network enabled the landscape of Northern Virginia to be dramatically transformed from an open, rural space to an urban and suburban population center that is now a driving force for the commonwealth’s economy. Just as roads helped to build Northern Virginia, transit will play a key role in providing Virginia and the greater Washington region with the transportation infrastructure it requires to support growth, provide a high quality of life for residents and compete in an increasingly global economy.
To maintain our region’s competitiveness, regional leaders must invest in improving mobility and connectivity throughout the region, whether that be at the Port of Virginia, Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport, the Port of Baltimore or Metro as they greatly affect Virginia, Maryland and the District’s economy. For too long, an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach has superseded a proactive approach when it comes to our transportation infrastructure, and as a result regional efforts are focused on fixing what exists today instead of building the world-class transportation system that will secure our economic future.
A prime example of this is our struggling Metro system. The political and jurisdictional complexities that surround the system combined with the lack of a dedicated funding source have crippled this vital piece of Northern Virginia’s transit infrastructure. Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld has outlined a plan to get Metro back to a state of good repair, including a investment of $500 million in regional funding. The Virginia General Assembly made a bold commitment to meet its $154 million share of this investment. Maryland and the District now have the opportunity to step up with their full shares to ensure Metro’s long-term sustainability.
With $25 billion in development occurring near Metro stations over the past eight years, it is time to change the short-sighted approach and make this critical long-term investment. If we do not fix and invest in Metro now, our region’s economic security will be compromised and its competitive position will be diminished in both the short and long term. Case in point: For Amazon, access to reliable transit is one of the top criteria under consideration in their search for a second headquarters. Without a reliable Metro system, the area will struggle to attract “HQ2” and other private businesses that the region needs to drive its economy moving forward.
Recent studies suggest investing in Metro is also an investment in our future workforce. A report from the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University revealed that the region lost about 2,000 people aged 25 to 34 from 2015 to 2016, whereas 13 of the 15 largest metropolitan areas across the country grew their share of this critical demographic. An underlying factor driving this trend is frustration with commuting. The Greater Washington Millennial Index released by American University’s Kogod Business School in 2017 found that 55 percent of surveyed millennials wanted to move to a city with less traffic.
The business community across the region understands the importance of Metro and is speaking in unison through the MetroNow coalition. This collaboration among the business community is encouraging and must be matched by its elected leaders. With regional collaboration and leadership from Richmond, Annapolis and the District, we can put Metro back on a safe, smart, and sustainable path forward in 2018.
The region has the opportunity to take a leadership position by investing $500 million in sustainable, dedicated funding for Metro. Virginia has answered the call with its $154 million share. Maryland and the District should do the same, with $167 million and $178 million respectively.
Bold action and strategic thinking made our region an economic force in the past. We now ensure Metro remains the critical transportation asset that powers our economic competitiveness for years to come.
Til Hazel, a lifelong Virginian, is a farmer, lawyer, real estate developer and educator.