Press Releases

October 20, 2021 (Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Don Beyer, who represents the Northern Virginia suburbs of the nation’s capital, issued the following statement today on ongoing Metro service disruptions in the region after the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) 7000-series train cars were removed from service following a derailment last week:

“While they continue to work towards the safe resumption of regular service, WMATA must take necessary steps to maximize bus service across the region. It is simply unsustainable to cut train service in half without a significant corresponding increase in bus service. WMATA should work with regional leaders to increase bus lane capacity where it is needed.

“It is very important that WMATA communicate a plan of action to regional stakeholders and the public to prevent the failures that led to this incident from recurring. As NTSB and the FTA continue their investigation into the safety of 7000-series cars and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission evaluates next steps, my colleagues and I will continue to follow developments closely, and discuss what additional oversight role Congress should take to ensure that Metro service is safe and reliable.

“In the meantime, I urge regional employers who have not already done so to maximize telework options, and to be patient as workers endure a week of difficult commutes.”

Beyer previously joined House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Senator Tim Kaine in introducing legislation which established the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, and is a cosponsor of House-passed legislation to strengthen independent oversight and accountability for WMATA.