Delaney Statement on NTSB Hearing on 2015 Metro Accident
WASHINGTON – Today, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a hearing on the fatal Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) accident which took place in January 2015 at L’Enfant Plaza. In his opening statement, Christopher A. Hart, Chairman of NTSB, stated “since that tragic accident, WMATA’s safety culture and safety oversight have not changed adequately” and that “it is time to embrace systemic changes to establish safety as a core value at WMATA, system-wide.” The NTSB presentation cited poorly maintained cables and connectors, inadequate tunnel ventilation systems, water drainage, poor communication during the crisis and problems at Metro’s Rail Operations Center and a repeated failure to adequately address any of these life-threatening situations.
This is the 13th NTSB investigation of a WMATA accident and the ninth since 2004.
Delaney releases the following statement on the NTSB report:
“Today’s NTSB hearing is deeply troubling and paints a picture of a transit system that is in need of major reforms. Time and time again accidents have occurred and comprehensive changes have not been made. The response from my constituents has been overwhelming on this issue: they are concerned, worried and frustrated by Metro’s long-term problems and they deserve better. Metro needs a top-to-bottom safety overhaul and that requires professionalizing the Board of Directors and making sure it features safety and management experts. The new appointments made by Secretary Foxx this week were a positive development that should be applauded, but we should pass legislation in order to make this emphasis on safety and Board expertise permanent. In the interim I encourage the other jurisdictions to follow Secretary Foxx’s lead to ensure that their Board appointees meet these qualifications.”
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