Making Needed Improvements to Metro

Statement

Dear Friend -

Thousands of Virginians rely upon the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system -specifically the Metro Rail - to commute to work or travel for pleasure throughout the region. And you may not be aware, but Congress actually plays an important role in WMATA oversight and operations due to the interstate nature of its transportation services.
Recently, the Metro Rail system has been under a great deal of scrutiny for safety issues, fare increases, and general poor performance. The House passed, with my support, two resolutions that will help Metro Rail make needed improvements.
The first is H.J. Res. 76. This resolution gives Congressional approval for Virginia, Maryland, and the District to establish the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. This commission will act as the state safety oversight authority for the Metro system and will have the power to restrict or suspend service on any part of the rail system, investigate incidents, and adopt a safety oversight program standard.
Establishing this commission will allow Metro to again receive federal grant funds, which should help make up for some of Metro's budget problems.
The other is H.J. Res. 92. This resolution gives Congressional approval to an amendment made to the Washington Area Transit Regulation Compact.
For years, federal directors on the WMATA board have been appointed by the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA). But WMATA serves a transportation function. The federal directors should have strong transportation and transit backgrounds and should be chosen by people who actually know transportation policy. That is what the amendment the House approved in passing H.J. Res. 92 does.
Moving forward, appointment authority for the federal directors on the WMATA board will be in the hands of the Secretary of Transportation. This will ensure the most capable, experienced individuals serve as federal directors.
WMATA and Metro Rail are far from perfect. But these two resolutions will make needed improvements so they better serve Virginians.
Please continue to contact me anytime an issue that concerns you is before Congress.
It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House.

Sincerely,
Rob

Source