Replies(10) Metro's proposed budget calls for up to 22 Metrorail station closures in 2022 if the transit agency doesn't receive more federal funding. (Emily Leayman/Patch) WASHINGTON, DC — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's proposed budget for fiscal year 2022 calls for up to 22 Metro station closures and some bus route cuts if additional federal funding is not provided. The changes could be effective on Jan. 1, 2022 if the current proposal is adopted by Metro's Board of Directors. According to a statement on Metro's website, the transit agency is facing a budget shortfall due to diminished ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic. A federal relief package in December 2020 provided funds to help Metro avoid layoffs, continue providing essential service and preparing for the ridership to return. Metro says that federal funding and actions such as limiting contractors and reducing Metro's workforce by attrition cannot make up for the entire budget gap for fiscal year 2022, which begins on July 1, 2021.