STATEMENT: Metro Reform Coalition statement on former Transportation Secretary LaHood’s Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2017

Contact:
Lynnette J. Williams, Edelman
Lynnette.Williams@edelman.com
(202) 326-1755 office or (202) 255-0565 mobile

METRO REFORM COALITION STATEMENT ON FORMER TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LAHOOD’S REPORT: “Review of Operating, Governance and Financial Conditions of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority”
A diverse group of organizations representing Metro riders, businesses, nonprofits, and advocates appreciates former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s detailed analysis of the issues facing Metro. We are especially pleased that his report focuses on the need for dedicated funding, effective governance, and efficient operations. Without substantial attention to each of these areas, Metro will not be able to deliver the level of safe, reliable and sustainable service that is required to preserve the region’s economic security, quality of life and global competitiveness.

We believe the high-level elements outlined in Secretary LaHood’s report set a clear path forward for comprehensive Metro reform, and today’s announcement shows the level of regional cooperation needed to achieve long-term success. This report is yet another step toward the necessary restoration of Metro, and we are hopeful that the implementation of these high-level recommendations will set Metro on a sustainable path.

Comprehensive attention to funding, governance, and operations will bring about the greatest benefit to the regional economies of Virginia, Maryland, and the District, and to the people who depend on Metro every day. We urge our regional leaders to respond to the recommendations outlined in the report by taking immediate action toward reform. The time to act is now.
Metro Reform Coalition
The Metro Reform Coalition is a group of regional leaders from organizations representing riders, businesses and non-profits communities who have come together to ensure that Metro—a vital component of Greater Washington’s transportation infrastructure—is put on a safe, smart, and sustainable path forward this fiscal year. We are dedicated to securing comprehensive improvement of Metro’s governance, operating and funding structures in 2018.

Members of the Coalition include: The Federal City Council, Greater Washington Board of Trade, The 2030 Group, Greater Washington Partnership, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Greater Greater Washington, The Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA), Arlington County Chamber of Commerce, Associated Builders and Contractors – Virginia Chapter, Committee for Dulles, The DC Building Industry Association, DC Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Community Partners, Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, The Consortium of Universities, Urban Land Institute—Washington DC, The Housing Association of Non-profit Developers (HAND), Housing Leaders Group of Greater Washington, Leadership Greater Washington, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, NAIOP Northern Virginia—the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Northern Virginia Technology Council, The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce, The Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Washington Airports Task Force.