Metro News Release
For immediate release: January 8, 2015
Remarks by Metro Board Chair Tom Downs
Remarks by Metro Board Chair Tom Downs
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Now, for the reason we called this special Board meeting.
Rather than read verbatim the official commendation from the Board, we would like to thank Rich by taking a reflective look at who he is and what he has meant to Metro and the region.
When Rich got here, Metro was hunkered and bunkered- there was a loss of focus and a safety culture that had eroded.
There were outstanding NTSB recommendations, as well as recommendations from the Tri-State Oversight Committee and FTA.
He immediately began rebuilding the safety culture from top to bottom.
Former NTSB Chair Debbie Hersman said it best: we have gone “from worst to first.”
And here’s why. Under Rich’s leadership:
Metro has closed 25 of the 29 NTSB recommendations. The remaining recommendations involve long-term projects like replacement of the 1000 series railcar fleet with the new 7000 series fleet.
The 7000 Series cars mark a new start from the outdated design and technology of our current fleet of railcars. New cars are safer and designed with customer input providing a new level of technology and rider amenities.
Metro is also preparing for the return to Automatic Train Operations following a comprehensive overhaul, which included a complete analysis of the system, replacement of critical track components, new training and inspection procedures, careful testing of the system and safety certification. Full implementation of automatic train operations will occur by the end of 2017.
This year, Metro received the Gold Safety Award from APTA for our Roadway Worker Protection Program – the backbone of our safety training efforts. This is something Rich led with Rail when he arrived in 2010, and the program is now recognized as a model for the industry.
Metro became the first rail transit agency to launch a confidential Close Call Program in July 2013. The system provides employees the opportunity to confidentially report concerns and gives Metro the opportunity to take preventive safety actions before an incident occurs.
WMATA is implementing a Fatigue Risk Management System that sets new standards for the industry on fatigue management, which is one of the highest profile safety issues in transportation. The program focuses on safety-critical occupations within bus, rail, Metro Access and MTPD.
Last year, Rich received recognition from the National Safety Council as one of its CEOs Who “Get It”, and it was a reflection of the hard work and dedication to reestablishing a strong safety culture.
And finally, employee injuries continue to decline for the fourth consecutive year.
These accomplishments have allowed Metro to not only strengthen its safety culture, but also achieve great success in other areas of the organization.
With Rich’s vision, dedication and persistence, Metro has now passed the half-way point in its $5 billion, 6-year capital improvement program.
Remember that we dedicated the first $1 billion to improving the safety of rail infrastructure, passenger facilities and rail vehicles, including planning for delivery of the 7000-series rail cars, which has a new crashworthy design and should arrive later this year.
When Rich arrived at Metro, escalators were literally crumbling under foot and had become an icon for the consequences of years of disinvestment in our system.
As a result of the Metro Forward escalator replacement program, along with modernization projects and our improved maintenance regimen, escalator availability now averages 93%.
Under Rich and Metro Forward, practically every Metrorail station has been improved in one way or another—from new brighter lights installed in every underground station to platform rehabs installing slip resistant tile at outdoor station.
Bus customers have received new buses, more seats and increased service through the Better Bus initiative.
Rich also oversaw the successful opening of the Silver Line, the largest Metrorail expansion in Metro’s history and the first time we’ve added a new color to the map since the Green Line opening in 1991. He ensured it was safe and his oversight has contributed to the great success the line is achieving today.
And finally, to make all of this a reality, Rich literally rebuilt the inside of Metro while rebuilding the outside--attracting industry professional leaders in all disciplines, reinforcing critical departments such as infrastructure, launching much needed HR foundations such as succession planning, training and leadership programs, and expanding the organization in preparation for the Silver Line.
Of course, if you know Rich, you know he is not satisfied with just fixing the issues of the day. At Metro, he knew had to rebuild the foundation in order to secure the future. And he partnered with the Board to develop the Momentum strategic plan.
Most importantly, implementation of the plan will ensure that we never return to a time when the system is not maintained to today's safety and reliability standards.
To keep Momentum and Metro on track, Rich also introduced performance measurement, business planning and risk analysis into Metro’s annual budget and strategic planning process. The business plan began as something created by the General Manager, and has evolved into the Authority’s plan, led by the strong executive leadership team. Each department develops and implements this plan, and all of their work plans are focused on actions that deliver on shared objectives.
Under Rich, Metro has rebuilt its credibility with the region and confidence continues to be restored.
The best example of this was when Governors O’Malley and McAuliffe and Mayor Gray came together to commit an initial down payment of $75 million—or $25 million from each jurisdiction to fund the Momentum strategic plan.
This investment allows Metro to continue rebuilding efforts and lay the foundation for all eight-car trains with power upgrades, Union Station and Gallery Place station expansion designs, and buses for priority corridors.
I have just scratched the surface of Rich’s legacy of improvements here at Metro. And I know that before I move approval of the official commendation honoring Rich, other Board members want to express their appreciation.
Now, I move to approve the commendation that summarizes the General Manager’s accomplishments I shared a few moments ago.
Rich, the Board thought long and hard about what to give you as a token of our appreciation. We didn’t think the traditional plaque would be appropriate so we assembled a bag full of Metro mementos we think you will use in your retirement on the Jersey Shore.
News release issued at 4:39 pm, January 8, 2015.