Urgent Safety Bill HB2136 for Washington Metrorail Commission
The HB2136 bill aims to address serious safety issues in the Washington Metrorail system through the establishment of a new Metro Safety Commission. Failure to pass identical legislation by VA, MD, and DC could result in federal funding cuts and dire consequences for the region's economy and transportation network. The bill creates an oversight board to ensure safety plans, conduct investigations, and publish reports, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong safety culture in Metro operations. Chief Patron Del LeMunyon and House Patrons in Northern Virginia are leading the legislative efforts to safeguard Metro's future. Emphasizing the importance of state role in safety oversight is crucial when advocating for the bill.
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Presentation Transcript
HB2136 Washington Metrorail Safety Commission Interstate Compact
Big Picture Why we care Metro is in trouble and we need to help save it There is no smart growth without Metro Future would involve more sprawl, more driving, increased greenhouse gas emissions, loss of farms, forests, and water quality Safety bill ordered by U.S. Secretary of Transportation VA, MD, DC must pass identical legislation We have to improve safety oversight, but also make the case for funding Metro!
Main Talking Points 1. Metrorail is experiencing serious safety problems putting passengers and workers at risk. The new Metro Safety Commission (MSC) will mean the State will have oversight and enforcement teeth to ensure a stronger culture of safety and accountability at Metro. 2. If VA/MD/DC don t pass identical legislation addressing this problem, the Federal government has discretion to cut transit grants to urbanized systems throughout Virginia by up to 5% (about $6 million this year). 3. If we fail to fix Metrorail, then the system collapses with major negative impact to the economy, transportation network, and environment of northern Virginia and the Commonwealth.
What the bill does Creates and authorizes funding for new oversight board of professionals with transit experience independent of the Metro board Responsibilities: Oversee, review, and approve safety plans. Conduct independent accident investigations and property inspections. Compel WMATA to rectify deficiencies and insufficient safety performances Publish annual safety report to Federal Transit Administration and jurisdictions, annual report of operations, and an annual independent audit of finances.
Chief Patron Del LeMunyon (R- Loudoun) at request of Administration HOUSE PATRONS All Northern Virginia James M. LeMunyon (chief patron) David B. Albo David L. Bulova Eileen Filler-Corn Patrick A. Hope Mark L. Keam Christopher K. Peace Kenneth R. Plum Mark D. Sickles Marcus B. Simon Richard C. "Rip" Sullivan, Jr. Vivian E. Watts House Subcommittee 3: Habeeb (Chairman), Hugo, Garrett, Minchew, Austin, Toscano, Filler-Corn
Strategy Director of Rail and Public Transit, Jennifer Mitchell, has the lead We will support the bill Focus on the fact that this bill ensures STATE role in safety oversight of Metro important point when talking to both R s and D s
But Dont Open the Compact for Other Issues! HB1847 (Minchew R Loudoun) Requires opening the Compact to change labor rules, arbitration, pension, etc But opening the Compact would lead to gridlock with DC and Maryland D s System would deteriorate with labor and political strife and failure to focus on funding needs
Questions? Stewart Schwartz Coalition for Smarter Growth stewart@smartergrowth.net
