photo by Adam Fagen
WMATA GM Randy Clarke posted yesterday:
“Thx you @CMBrookePinto @AnitaBondsDC @CMFrumin @CMWendellFelder & @MayorBowser for supporting legislation to improve safety on @wmata.
Safety is a core value at Metro and while crime is at a 7 year low and we have had a significant reduction in fare evasion on rail. There is still more work to do, especially on bus.
The number one request we hear from frontline staff & customers is to have more security on Metro, specifically on buses. Council Member Pinto’s bill supported solutions that address these concerns.
We are disappointed and confused that there is not universal agreement and support to make Metro safer. Our team will never stop working to improve Metro for our customers and staff.”
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 (Union of 15,000 transit workers) posted:
“To be crystal clear: Local 689 does NOT support this measure. Any claims otherwise by @wmata or @wmataGM are patently false. We highly encourage the Council to vote this proposal down today. Management does not speak for workers and their elected leaders.
We have repeatedly and clearly called for our safety demands year after year: fully enclosed cabins, penalties in line with FTA recommendations for assaults, and fare-free buses. It is time those are taken seriously.”
Councilmember Brooke Pinto also posted:
“I am disappointed this common sense fix did not pass today. Our Special Police Officers on @WMATA already handle incidents including criminal or violent incidents. Why not empower them to write a civil citation for fare evasion the same way the Metro Transit Police already do now?
With 75% of users not paying their fare, costing the system $50 million that undermines service reliability and safety, we need to work together to address this issue. I’m frustrated that that did not happen today on this provision.”