Metro News Release

For immediate release: March 12, 2015

Statement from Chairman Mort Downey on behalf of the WMATA Board of Directors

The following statement was issued today by Metro Board Chairman Mort Downey:

Metro’s Board of Directors said following its meeting today that the Board is unified in its commitment to enhance public confidence in Metro’s effectiveness, and ability to serve the region and its customers as a high performing public agency.

Chairman Downey said the Board will open a broader dialog around what is needed in considering future candidates for the General Manager/CEO position.

“We have heard the call to broaden the discussion and will engage our stakeholders more actively in defining the qualities for a new General Manager/CEO who can move Metro forward, as we better serve our customers, our communities, and the region’s businesses,” said Downey.  “Metro is crucial to the region’s economic wellbeing and we are inviting our stakeholders and the public to our April Governance Committee meeting where we will examine how best to restart the search process.”  

During the executive search, some have called for a new General Manager/CEO with a transit background; some have suggested a financial management background; others have suggested Metro needs a “turnaround” expert.   The Board indicated that it may be ideal if a new chief executive met all these criteria.

With respect to leadership transition, Downey also said the Board is urging the Compact jurisdictions to move forward quickly to fill vacancies on the Metro Board of Directors, and to make and confirm any pending Board appointments.    

“We need to have continuity going forward so that the Board can reach unified regional decisions based on candid discussions,  a thorough understanding of the facts before us, and an alignment among our jurisdictions,” Downey said.  “As a regional governing and policy body, it is important that any new members have a seat at the table for the hiring process to select the General Manager/CEO that they will work with in partnership.”

Downey also said the Board is directing management to produce a rail fleet plan and analysis that will support regional discussion of how and when new rail cars will be utilized, should the Board fund the purchase of up to 220 additional cars by exercising favorable pricing options that expire this summer.  Such an analysis, he said, will inform decision makers, funders, and customers about the rail car purchase options.

News release issued at 3:14 pm, March 12, 2015.