Breakfast links: Congressman warns WMATA to comply with subpoena
By Miles Wilson (Contributor) April 17, 2024

Safety signal: WMATA subpoena could have consequences, Congressman warns WMATA
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) is urging WMATA to comply with a subpoena from the federal Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC). The subpoena requests documents related to WMATA’s employee drug and alcohol testing, hazardous materials, and other safety issues. Metro has resisted, arguing that they are excessive and redundant, and has asked WMSC to coordinate with OSHA and FTA. Connolly is warning that failure to comply could lead to consequences from Congress. (Tom Roussey / ABC7)

Va. congressman calls on Metro to hand over documents requested by safety commission

by Tom Roussey | Tue, April 16th 2024 at 9:59 PM
Updated Wed, April 17th 2024 at 3:59 PM

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Northern Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly is calling on Metro to hand over documents to the commission overseeing safety after the transit agency refused a request for them.

“It’s not a matter of voluntary compliance,” Connolly (D – VA 11th District) told 7News in an interview Tuesday afternoon. “Metro must comply.”

7News first reported on Metro’s refusal last week. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) – which was created in part by Connolly and other members of Congress to bring independent oversight to Metro – said it requested documents related to drug and alcohol testing of Metro employees, hazardous materials, and other safety-related issues.

READ MORE | Metro hit with subpoena from safety commission over refusal to turn over documents

Metro refused, and for the first time since it launched about five years ago, the WMSC issued Metro a subpoena demanding the documents.

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Last week Metro sent 7News the following statement, which a spokesperson for Metro said Tuesday still stands as their only statement for now:

“Metro is reviewing the subpoena. While we respect the WMSC’s oversight role, we believe the information requested is duplicative, burdensome, and may result in inconsistent or conflicting findings or corrective actions where other agencies, such as FTA and OSHA, have oversight authority. Metro has attempted to work collaboratively with the WMSC and has suggested that the WMSC coordinate with the FTA or OSHA to conduct audits. We hope this issue can be resolved amicably and remain committed to providing safe and reliable transit services.”

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