Connolly Statement on Finalized SafeTrack Plan

Statement

Congressman Gerry Connolly released the following statement on Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld's finalized Safe Track Maintenance Plan:

"Metro's finalized SafeTrack Plan will present significant and sustained challenges to riders, especially my constituents along the Orange and Silver Lines. While this bold and aggressive proposal is undoubtedly necessary to reverse decades-long neglect of basic maintenance and safety, our riders' patience ultimately must be rewarded with a world-class, safe, and reliable transit system.

"We cannot focus only on track and infrastructure repairs; a complete system-wide change in culture is necessary at all levels of Metro. The success of SafeTrack demands an open and transparent process, but most important it will require a robust communications strategy that regularly informs the public as we move through this unprecedented maintenance and rebuilding plan.

"Recognizing the sizeable impact this will have on federal employees who overwhelmingly rely on Metro and federal facilities served by Metro, it is imperative that OPM push to expand telework opportunities for our federal workforce.

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