CSG and Sierra Club: Statement on NTSB Findings
Coalition for Smarter Growth and the Sierra Club
Statement on NTSB findings
For Immediate Release:
July 30, 2010
Contact:
Cheryl Cort, CSG, 202-244-4408 ext 112
Dennis Jaffe, SC, 202-905-1153 (c)
This statement follows discussion among the DC regional leadership of the Sierra Club and the Coalition for Smarter Growth in reaction to the NTSB report:
A safe and efficient Metro system is critical to the success of our region. The NTSB findings guide the way to restoring confidence in our transit system and transforming WMATA's lax safety culture and lack of transparency and accountability to the public. The results also reinforce the importance of securing essential funding for this chronically underfunded transit system.
Fixing our Metro system requires a new level of accountability for all decision-makers and the participation of all stakeholders. We call on our public officials to commit to the necessary funds to implement NTSB safety recommendations, rehabilitate aging equipment and facilities, and commit to a new approach to safety oversight and public accountability.
In addition to management failings which created a poor safety culture, the system's perpetual underfunding has delayed renewal of the worn-out infrastructure. The system needs a more transparent oversight that allows riders and all stakeholders to have understanding of the system's operations and performance, and opportunity to provide input. Public officials at all levels of government should work together with stakeholders to address how the system can achieve the full funding required to restore and enhance the system.
