Metro News Release
For immediate release: January 19, 2006
WMATA Chairman Dana Kauffman signs off as chairman of board
This is a transcript of the remarks that Metro Board Chairman Dana Kauffman made on January 19, 2006, during the last meeting he presided over as Board Chairman.
"Normally, what you get from an outgoing chairman is his or her over-the-shoulder view, presenting the events of the past year in their most attractive light. Let me honor that tradition by saying:
"What we sent out to do, we accomplished and what we needed to face, we did so squarely and publicly.
"Now that we’ve acknowledged what’s past, what I’m most concerned about today is this: Are we up to the task of breaking the habits that hold back not only this Authority, but regional transportation as well" Breaking these habits will not be the work of a single person or a single year and will transcend the individual efforts of those of us who have enjoyed the great privilege and greater responsibility of serving as chairman.
"The first habit we must break is what could be called the ’monopoly mentality.’ Folks really do have transportation choices and options. Unless we at Metro recognize and respect thatand develop a true customer focus, both our customers and our funding willso to speakwalk. While we can be rightfully proud of the service we provide and the incredible growth in service we’ve seen, we must strive to keep that pride form becoming defensive arrogance. It’s not about our jobs, positions, or exalted titles. It’s about the service we provide. The newly installed riders Advisory Council, if well employed, and a vigilant press will do more to break this habit than anything else.
"The second habit we need to loose is funding by lowest common denominator. With support from the business and environmental communities we finally have the attention of our funding partners. Just this Monday, Chris Zimmerman and I were in Richmond making the case before a generally supportive legislative delegation. I also thank the District of Columbia City Council for their early action. To our friends in Annapolis, I simply say thisThe train’s left the station, find a way to get on board.
"Finally, we must find the vision to develop new habits and perspectives. Metro is not the cover-all Band Aid for what ails our transportation networks. However, it is the common link across jurisdictional boundaries and a part of any long-term regional transportation strategy.
"There is a common assumption that road congestion and rail crowding can and must get better. The next big rail or road project will be the answer. We’ve got to get away from this magic cure perspective. More often than not, improvements are localized and buy us only a few years of relief. At what point do we admit that this may well be as good as it gets and face the fact that we must encourage fundamental changes in how we work, shop and play.
"Regionally, this demand side of the transportation equation is finally beginning to be addressed through land use cases that incorporate transportation demand management (so-called TDMs). Finally, we are beginning to recognize that people really can walk or bike and that buses aren’t just for people too poor to buy a car.
"We must frankly acknowledge what levels of congestion are in our power to change and what levels we will have to live with if we remain glued to our steering wheels or only take transit during peak hours."
News release issued on January 19, 2006.