FTA Approves Action Plan to Improve Metrorail and Metrobus Systems
The WMATA corrective action plan was required by an FTA Safety Directive.
The Federal Transit Administration has approved the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) corrective action plan to improve the safety of its Metrorail and Metrobus systems. The action plan was required by an FTA Safety Directive.WMATA, called Metro locally, is the transit agency serving Washington, D.C., and several surrounding cities.
"WMATA must demonstrate a renewed commitment to set a higher standard of safety for its riders and employees," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. "This plan is an opportunity for WMATA to make lasting changes and restore public confidence in its system."
A Safety Management Inspection in Spring 2015 revealed areas of deficiency and operational concerns that resulted in 54 safety findings, 44 for Metrorail and 10 for Metrobus. After the findings, the FTA Safety Directive detailed 91 required actions to address safety concerns identified by the inspection.
"It is critical that WMATA effectively implement its corrective action plan," said FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan. "And, on a broader scale, to truly manage its safety risk on an ongoing basis, WMATA must demonstrate strong and consistent leadership, combined with a strong safety culture throughout its organization."