Community Corner

Metro's Plan for a Better Transit System Wins State House Fans

Metro has a long-term plan to improve safety and access for riders.

By Patch Field Editor Whitney Teal

During a time when making fun of Metro's perceived ineptitude and lack of efficiency for riders is practically a sport for those in the Washington, DC area, a new plan for improving rail and bus service was praised by leaders in the three states of service. 

"Momentum: The Next Generation of Metro," introduced to the Board of Directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Thursday, says that Metro's problems stem from an older rail system (the first Metro customers boarded in 1976) that hasn't maintained updates because the funding wasn't available. 

The answer is a two-tiered plan—short-term and long-term—to accomplish four goals that push the system's focus onto safety, service, financial stability and increasing access to Metro's service. 

Leaders in DC Maryland and Virginia applauded the plan in a joint release Thursday.

“We applaud the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board for the development of its Momentum strategic plan," wrote Governors Martin O'Malley (D) of Maryland and Bob McDonnell (R) of Virginia, and Mayor Vincent Gray of DC. 

"This initiative continues the governance reform work at WMATA. Momentum provides a framework which will help support the continued economic viability of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia and across the region. As the regional leaders work to develop an implementation strategy and plan, we encourage WMATA’s management to continue its focus on further enhancing productivity and efficiency as it has over the last three years.”


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