DC Metro to close most sales offices

Washington’s Metrorail system will shutter most of its in-person sales offices in an effort to close a massive budget gap, the transit agency announced Tuesday.

The closures, which will begin Nov. 15, follow on the heels of reports that Metro will be cutting 100 jobs.

The beleaguered transit agency is facing a $275 million budget shortfall, partly due to declining ridership, increased repair work and higher labor costs. The general manager is proposing a formal budget on Thursday that Metro is describing as a “reality check.”

“The move is part of a series of internal actions Metro is taking to reduce expenses and minimize the impact of possible fare increases and service reductions next year,” the agency said in a press release.

The four Metro sales offices that will be closed are located at Metro Center, Pentagon, Anacostia and Northern Bus Garage.

Each office handles an average of fewer than 200 transactions per day, according to Metro.