WMATA After SafeTrack

PURPOSE:

• To examine whether SafeTrack was successful in restoring the Metro system to a state of good repair, and to discuss how the lessons learned from SafeTrack’s planning could be applied to the Back2Good initiative.
• To address Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) financial situation.

BACKGROUND:

• In June 2016, WMATA began the SafeTrack program to address needed maintenance of Metro’s track infrastructure, with the final segment of repair to begin June 2017. After SafeTrack, WMATA will undertake its Back2Good program, which shifts the focus from track infrastructure to rail cars.
• GAO recently found that although SafeTrack was accomplishing the goal of bringing Metro back to a state of good repair, insufficient planning contributed to situations where safety related rail maintenance was not being conducted.
• WMATA’s FY2018 budget proposal calls for fare increases and service reductions to address a $300 million budget shortfall resulting from depressed ridership rates, increased maintenance costs, and decreased revenues.
• The Committee also held hearings on Metro service in April 2016 and December 2017.