Connolly Statement on Latest Metro Setback
Washington, DC,
November 2, 2015
Congressman Connolly released the following statement after WMATA announced talks with a potential GM candidate have broken off. Read more.
Congressman Connolly released the following statement after WMATA announced talks with a potential GM candidate have broken off: "Hiring a general manager is the most critical step Metro can take to begin to steady itself after a tumultuous and tragic year that has shaken the confidence of Metro riders, employees, and stakeholders. It is incredibly frustrating to learn that negotiations with a potential candidate have again broken off. I remain convinced that having a general manager with mass transit experience is paramount given that investigations by the NTSB and the FTA uncovered significant operational challenges that must be addressed immediately, including the shocking lack of a safety culture and, in some cases, basic competence. Service disruptions, which used to be more sporadic, are now a near daily occurrence that are beginning to erode ridership. This is unacceptable and unsustainable. The Metro Board needs to unify itself around hiring a new general manager to tackle the grave operational challenges and to bring immediate and effective oversight and accountability within Metro if it is to restore public confidence in the transit system serving our nation's capital.” |