In the News

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) released the following statement on Metro's announcement of new General Manager Paul Wiedefeld:

"This is welcome, long-overdue news since it’s now been 10 months since Metro has gone without strong leadership. I am encouraged by Mr. Wiedefeld’s experience in the transit and aviation industries, and I hope his familiarity with Metro and the National Capital Region will allow him to help turn around a Metro system reeling from crisis to crisis.

“The timing of this hire could not be more critical. There is a crisis in safety as investigations by the NTSB and the FTA once again uncovered significant operational challenges, including the shocking lack of a safety culture, so Mr. Wiedefeld’s transit experience will prove invaluable in addressing these challenges. There also is a crisis in confidence among riders, employees, and stakeholders after a tumultuous and tragic year in which service disruptions are now a near-daily occurrence that have eroded ridership. And there is a crisis in management and leadership, including the public disarray within the Metro Board, which contributed to this protracted and frustrating hiring process.

"The current state of affairs within Metro is unacceptable and unsustainable. With this appointment, it’s time to restore public confidence in the transit system serving our nation's capital.”