Metro News Release
For immediate release: November 16, 2007
Metro Announces Restructuring Of Metrorail Operations
Metro Names Dave J. Kubicek Assistant General Manager for Metrorail
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) today announced the first in a series of steps to improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the Metrorail system by naming Dave J. Kubicek, Assistant General Manager for Rail Operations Delivery.
Kubicek will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the 106-mile Metrorail system, which includes 86 rail stations and over 1,000 rail cars.
The reorganization of Metrorail comes at a time when the transit agency is seeing increased complaints about recent train delays, and service disruptions caused by debris fires and arcing insulators which resulted in major delays for customers.
“I ride the Metrorail system every day and I have heard from our customers who are concerned about the state of Metrorail. I agree with their assessment,” said John Catoe, Metro’s General Manager. “We are moving forward with changes that will improve the day-to-day reliability of Metrorail.”
In the recent weeks, Metro personnel increased daily inspections of insulators, the protective covering along the third rail. Personnel are also conducting more thermal imaging tests on the rails to locate any defects and to make the necessary repairs as needed.
Under the direction of Gerald Francis, Metro’s Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, Metro personnel will be taking greater responsibility to ensure train stations and tracks are clear of any debris or newspapers. Metrorail station managers will be responsible for conducting increased visual inspections of platforms and tracks to see if there is debris that could impact service. Metrorail train operators will be asked to pay closer attention to track conditions and to report any debris on the trackbed to the appropriate personnel.
“Every Metrorail employee must take responsibility in providing a consistent level of service each day,” said Mr. Francis. “To us, it starts at the moment the customer enters the system and sees their station manager. However, it’s not only the station manager. It’s also the train operator, the front-line supervisor, the track walker and the custodian. Anything less than a consistent level of service is unacceptable.”
As Kubicek assumes the role of Assistant General Manager for Rail Operations Delivery, he will continue to monitor the performance of the Metrorail system and will have ability to make additional changes if necessary.
“I am committed to providing quality service for the 700,000 daily riders who use Metrorail, working to increase railcar capacity by adding more eight-car trains during morning and afternoon rush hours, and working to improve the cleanliness of the Metrorail system, which includes reducing the number of track and debris fires in the Metrorail system,” Kubicek said.
In addition to the appointment of Kubicek, Francis will appoint a new managing director to oversee the line managers representing the Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow and Green lines and the Operations Control Center. The managing director will coordinate with the engineering department on special projects that are directly linked to the day-to-day operations of the five rail lines.
Kubicek joined Metro in May 2007, as the Assistant General Manager, Chief Mechanical Officer. In that capacity, he was responsible for rolling stock engineering, railcar design, railcar procurements, railcar maintenance, shops, warranty, quality assurance, training and storerooms.
Kubicek has 20 years of experience in rail and mass transit. Before joining Metro, he was at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority where he was the Deputy Executive Officer of Rail Fleet Services. In Los Angeles, his duties included railcar engineering, design, procurement, fleet maintenance, shops, traction power, track infrastructure, quality assurance, warranty, and training for all subway and light-rail alignments.
He began his transportation career at Dallas Area Rapid Transit, joining at the level of technician and working his way to Senior Manager of Rail Fleet Services.
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News release issued at 12:00 am, November 16, 2007.