Release: Federal Audit Finds Significant Safety Issues at Metro
Washington, DC,
March 5, 2010
A Federal Transit Administration audit of Metro has identified significant safety issues and made recommendations to address them. Congressman Gerry Connolly participated in the briefing by FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. Read more and review the entire audit.
A Federal Transit Administration audit of Metro has identified significant safety issues and made recommendations to address them. Congressman Gerry Connolly of Northern Virginia joined Maryland Senators Barbara Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin, Virginia Senators Jim Webb, and Mark Warner, and Maryland Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Chris Van Hollen, and Donna Edwards at a March 4 briefing in Washington by Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff. The federal audit provides us a roadmap of what needs to be done to create a sense of urgency around safety at Metro. It also confirms the importance of Congress giving FTA the authority to create and enforce national safety standards for transit systems like Metro. Key findings of the FTA audit include: • Metro doesn’t have the manpower to implement its safety program Connolly added that, “The regional delegation is committed to the long-term health of Metro, and we are dedicated to protecting the safety of its riders and employees. This report highlights fundamental safety and communications shortfalls across the board, and we await action from all involved to address this troubling situation.” “These audit findings are stunning. A safe, well-run Metro system is crucial to this region’s economy and our federal workforce,” said Senator Warner. “I strongly urge Metro leadership to look for ways to implement these safety recommendations so that we can better ensure the safety of Metro riders and employees. WMATA also needs to work quickly to improve communication and collaboration with the Tri-State Oversight Commission.” The FTA audit was charged with doing four things: • Examine the accident investigation process Tri-State Oversight Committee requires of Metro • Examine how Tri-State Oversight Committee and Metro develop, monitor and implement safety corrective action • Assess Metro’s internal safety audit program • Provide recommendations to improve communications and effectiveness between Metro and Tri-State Oversight Committee For the full text of the FTA audit, click here. # # # |