MetroNow Coalition Encouraged by Today’s Progress Toward Pledge of Full Metro Funding Share by the Maryland House of Delegates
“MetroNow commends Appropriations Committee Chair McIntosh, Vice-Chair Gaines, Delegate Korman, and members…
MetroNow Adds New Members as Legislative Momentum Builds for Metro Funding and Reform
As legislative sessions gain speed in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. with Metro reform taking center stage, MetroNow, a coalition committed to immediate action achieving long-term dedicated funding and reform for Metro system, welcomed new…
MetroNow Coalition Encouraged by Today’s Progress on Metro Funding and Reform Legislation in the Virginia General Assembly
Following action on bills SB856 and HB1539 (which incorporates HB1319) today in the Virginia General Assembly, the MetroNow coalition issued the following statement:
MetroNow is grateful to Chairman Hugo, Speaker Cox, and members of the House Majority Leadership for committing to address long-term dedicated Metro funding and reform during this General Assembly session. We are encouraged by the progress that has been made to secure long-term…
MetroNow Calls on Trump Administration and Local Delegations to Maintain Metro Funding in FY 2019
The MetroNow Coalition is deeply concerned by reports this morning that the Trump Administration’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget does not contain $150 million in critical capital funding for Metro through the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act…
MetroNow Commends Maryland State Legislators Feldman, Korman, and Barron on Metro Bills
The coalition applauds Maryland State Senator Brian Feldman, Delegate Marc Korman, and Delegate Erek Barron on the introduction of The Maryland Metro Funding Act and The Metro Board Member Act. These bills are a positive step…
MetroNow Statement on Metrorail Red Line Derailment outside Farragut North
We’re relieved that all passengers and staff emerged from the derailment outside of Farragut North station this morning without injury, but we can’t help but imagine a different situation were today not a federal holiday. When people get on the Metro, they should…
MetroNow Launches Business, Nonprofit and Grassroots Coalition to Reform Washington Region’s Transit System
Federal City Council, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Greater Washington Partnership, The 2030 Group, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Coalition for Smarter Growth to lead coalition; propose immediate changes to …
Metro Reform Coalition Reaction to Introduction of METRO Accountability and Reform ACT
Today, in response to the introduction of the METRO Accountability and Reform ACT in Congress by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) the Metro Reform Coalition– a group of regional business and non-profit leaders dedicated to securing comprehensive reform of Metro’s governance, operating, and funding structures in 2018—released the following statement:
“We applaud Representative Barbara Comstock for taking the initiative to introduce federal legislation to reform WMATA, a vital component of Greater Washington’s transportation infrastructure that impacts the region’s economic security, quality of life, and global competitiveness. Representative Comstock’s legislation calls for significant changes to the governance structure of WMATA’s Board of Directors, including requiring the establishment of a smaller and more effective reform board, which we support. The bill also requests the commitment of federal funding, which is urgently needed. We strongly believe that comprehensive reform to Metro’s governance and funding will lead to operational improvement across the system.
Metro Reform Coalition Statement on the LaHood Report
As leaders of the Washington area’s business community, we applaud the leadership of former U.S. transportation secretary Ray LaHood and the release of his report on Metro. We are especially pleased that the report focuses on three concurrent areas of reform: dedicated funding, governance and operations. Without substantial reform in each of these areas, Metro will not be able to deliver the level of safe, reliable, and sustainable service that is of critical importance to the region.
Business and Nonprofit Organizations Reject Stopgap Approach to Funding Metro
In response to reporting earlier today about a stopgap spending measure for the Metrorail system, a diverse group of regional stakeholders representing Metro riders, businesses, nonprofits and advocates are calling for more urgent action to transform Metro—immediately. A one-year funding patch for Metro repairs is short-sighted and does not prioritize the system or a long-term solution. Taking action in the legislative sessions starting in January 2018 is critical. We cannot delay until 2019 when the needs today are so urgent. Failure to address Metro’s funding and governance crisis immediately is not an option.