; and (C) the continuity and stability of employment, such that the arbitrator shall not issue an award increasing wages or benefits where the interstate Compact agency operating in the national capital area can show that such recommended increases could result in headcount reductions. (7) The public welfare. (c) Ability To finance wages and benefits provided in award An arbitrator rendering an arbitration award involving the employees of an interstate Compact agency operating in the national capital area shall not, with respect to a collective bargaining agreement governing conditions of employment, provide for wages or other benefits that exceed the reasonable and ongoing ability of the interstate Compact agency operating in the national capital area to obtain the necessary financial resources to pay for wage and benefit increases for employees of the interstate Compact agency while providing safe, reliable, and affordable transit services at levels sufficient to serve the needs of the Washington metropolitan area. The following conditions shall be met to comply with this subsection: (1) An arbitrator’s award shall not provide for wages and benefits that will result in an annual increase in operating subsidy of more than 1.5 percent inclusive of both labor and nonlabor-related operating costs, unless there is substantial evidence that the interstate Compact agency is able to finance the additional costs consistent with its budget and projected budgeted costs without adversely impacting the agency’s ability to provide safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation at sufficient levels. (2) During those periods of time when an interstate Compact agency operating in the national capital area is financially stressed, the arbitrator shall issue an award that either reduces or does not increase the interstate Compact agency’s personnel costs. (3) The arbitrator’s award must give substantial deference to the evidence presented by the interstate Compact agency’s management regarding financial issues. (4) The