Paul Wiedefeld

Wiedefeld grew up in the Govans neighborhood of Baltimore, where he graduated from Mount Saint Joseph High School before attending Towson University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. Wiedefeld later graduated from Rutgers University in 1981 with a Master of Arts degree in city and regional planning.{{cite web |title=Paul J. Wiedefeld, Maryland Secretary of Transportation |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/24dot/html/msa18514.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=February 10, 2023}}

After graduating from Rutgers, Wiedefeld briefly worked as a planner in Morris County, New Jersey, before moving back to Baltimore. He began working for the Maryland Department of Transportation in 1986, where he played a leading role in managing dozens of transportation projects. From 1991 to 1994, he oversaw the department's Office of Systems Planning and Evaluation.

In 1994, Wiedefeld left the Maryland Department of Transportation to become the vice president of engineering and design firm Parsons Brinckerhoff. In April 2002, Governor Parris Glendening named Wiedefeld as the executive director of the Maryland Aviation Administration.{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Paul |title=New airport chief is hired |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2002-04-18-0204180147-story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 18, 2002}} While CEO, Wiedefeld oversaw the $1.8 billion expansion of Baltimore/Washington International Airport, which was one of the fastest-growing airports in the country at the time. In July 2005, Wiedefeld announced that he would be stepping down to work as the head of aviation consulting practice at Parsons Brinckerhoff.{{cite news |last1=Cohn |first1=Meredith |title=State aviation chief Wiedefeld is departing |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2005-07-20-0507200061-story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 20, 2005}}

In 2007, Governor Martin O'Malley named Wiedefeld as the administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration. In November 2008, he ordered the two-week shut down of the northern part of the Baltimore Light RailLink, citing a computerized braking system causing the trains' wheels to crack.{{cite news |last1=Dresser |first1=Michael |title=Maryland's Paul Wiedefeld works to turn around Washington's Metro |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-metro-wiedefeld-20160520-story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 20, 2016}} In September 2009, Wiedefeld was named as the chief executive officer of the Maryland Aviation Administration, succeeding Timothy L. Campbell.{{cite news |title=Campbell To Retire As Executive Director Of MAA |url=https://www.airportxnews.com/campbell-to-retire-as-executive-director-of-maa/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Airport Experience News |date=September 23, 2009}} In July 2015, Governor Larry Hogan announced that he would be replacing Wiedefeld with Ricky D. Smith, the head of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.{{cite news |last1=Dresser |first1=Michael |title=Gov. Hogan fires Wiedefeld as head of BWI |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-hogan-replaces-wiedefeld-as-head-of-bwi-20150710-story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 10, 2015}}

On November 5, 2015, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced that it would hire Wiedefeld as its next general manager following a year-long search.{{cite news |last1=Duggan |first1=Paul |title=After a year-long search, Metro names new general manager |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-names-new-general-manager/2015/11/05/29dd84c4-83cc-11e5-8ba6-cec48b74b2a7_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 5, 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Colin |title=Former BWI executive selected to lead Washington metro |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-wiedefeld-dc-metro-20151105-story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 5, 2015}} Wiedefeld took office on November 30, 2015.{{cite news |last1=Aratani |first1=Lori |title=Everything you need to know about Metro's new boss, Paul Wiedefeld |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/11/30/everything-you-need-to-know-about-metros-new-boss-paul-wiedefeld/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 30, 2015}} During his tenure, Wiedefeld sought to prioritize transit safety over rail service, believing it would restore public confidence in the transit system.{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Faiz |title=Wiedefeld: 'Turning Metro around requires us to confront some hard truths.' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2016/03/06/wiedefeld-turning-metro-around-requires-us-to-confront-some-hard-truths/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 6, 2016}} He was also credited with overhauling the Metro's infrastructure while setting the stage for more-reliable and safer service in the future.

File:WMATA_Bill_Signing_(41719466101).jpg with Governor Larry Hogan and Montgomery County executive Ike Leggett, April 2018]]

In March 2016, following a smoke incident near the McPherson Square station, Wiedefeld halted WMATA's operations for 24 hours to allow inspectors to search for dangerously deteriorated power cables. This was the first time that Metrorail had ordered a subway closure on a fair-weather workday.{{cite news |last1=Duggan |first1=Paul |last2=McCartney |first2=Robert |title=After subway shutdown, will drastic action become Metro's new normal? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/after-subway-shutdown-will-drastic-action-become-metros-new-normal/2016/03/19/bfe05d92-ec41-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 19, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Hansen |first1=Drew |title=Metro to shut down entire system on Wednesday in unprecedented closure |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2016/03/15/metro-to-close-entire-system-on-wednesday.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Washington Business Journal |date=March 15, 2016}} This closure was announced with very little public notice, disrupting the commute of thousands of D.C. residents.{{cite news |last1=Hansen |first1=Drew |title=Year in Review 2016: Metro launches SafeTrack in its remarkable 40th year |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2016/12/27/year-in-review-2016-metro-launches-safetrack-in.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Washington Business Journal |date=December 27, 2016}} During the closure, Metro work crews found at least 26 power cables and connectors that required immediate repair.{{cite news |last1=Repetski |first1=Stephen |title=Here's what Metro's work crews found during the closure |url=https://ggwash.org/view/41098/heres-what-metros-work-crews-found-during-the-closure |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Greater Greater Washington |date=March 17, 2016}}

In May 2016, Wiedefeld unveiled his "SafeTrack" initiative, a nine-month maintenance blitz that saw the transit line endure a series of rolling shutdowns and slowdowns in an effort to condense three years worth of rail maintenance into roughly one year.{{cite news |last1=Neibauer |first1=Michael |title=Metrorail 'surge' plan threatens yearlong commute turmoil |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/breaking_ground/2016/05/metrorail-surge-plan-threatens-yearlong-commute.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Washington Business Journal}}{{cite news |last1=Aratani |first1=Lori |last2=Duggan |first2=Paul |last3=McCartney |first3=Robert |title=Metro will shut down sections of lines for year-long subway repair work |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-armageddon-is-coming-a-year-of-shuttered-sections-massive-repairs/2016/05/06/9a7160d0-12e6-11e6-93ae-50921721165d_story.html?tid=a_inl_manual |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 6, 2016}}{{cite news |title=First major shutdown of DC Metro maintenance blitz to begin |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2016/06/17/dc-metro-maintenance-5/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |date=June 17, 2016}} The "safety surges" ranged in duration, from seven days to 42 days, and included either around-the-clock single tracking or line-segment shutdowns.{{cite news |last1=Hansen |first1=Drew |title=How Metro's yearlong repair plan will impact your commute |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2016/05/06/how-metros-1-year-repair-plan-will-impact-your.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Washington Business Journal |date=May 6, 2016}} These disruptions, combined with continued chronic breakdowns, contributed to a 12 percent decrease in Metro ridership and added to the agency's financial problems, creating a projected $125 million revenue shortfall during fiscal year 2018.{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Faiz |title=Ridership losses, exacerbated by SafeTrack, push Metro to financial tipping point |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/ridership-losses-exacerbated-by-safetrack-push-metro-to-financial-tipping-point/2017/02/21/6ec0b7ec-f85f-11e6-9845-576c69081518_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 21, 2017}} The SafeTrack program concluded in June 2017.{{cite news |last1=Fandos |first1=Nicholas |title=Is Washington's Metro Improving? After $150 Million, Maybe |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/25/us/politics/washington-metro-mass-transit-150-million-upgrade.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=June 25, 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Powers |first1=Martine |title=With SafeTrack Surge No. 16, it's finally time to say goodbye |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/with-safetrack-surge-no-16-its-finally-time-to-say-goodbye/2017/06/17/167c8410-4fb9-11e7-91eb-9611861a988f_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 17, 2017}}

In July 2016, Wiedefeld proposed a permanent end to late-night weekend subway services,{{cite news |last1=Aratani |first1=Lori |last2=Powers |first2=Martine |last3=Siddiqui |first3=Faiz |title=Metro general manager proposes permanent end to late-night service |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-general-manager-proposes-permanent-end-to-late-night-service/2016/07/26/b36b15aa-535e-11e6-b7de-dfe509430c39_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=July 26, 2016}} saying that the proposed cuts were "vital to the future health of the system".{{cite news |last1=Powers |first1=Martine |title=Metro chief Wiedefeld defends proposed late-night service cuts |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2016/07/27/metro-chief-wiedefeld-defends-proposed-late-night-service-cuts/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=July 27, 2016}} The proposed service hours cut was criticized by Metro riders,{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Max |title=Metro riders say service cuts will be 'disaster' |url=https://wtop.com/tracking-metro-24-7/2016/10/metro-riders-say-service-cuts-will-be-disaster/slide/1/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=WTOP-FM |date=October 20, 2016}} local legislators,{{cite news |last1=Whitehead |first1=David |title=65 top Maryland officials to Wiedefeld: End the late night Metro cuts |url=https://ggwash.org/view/70177/65-top-maryland-officials-to-wiedefeld-end-the-late-night-metro-cuts |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Greater Greater Washington |date=December 13, 2018}} and members of the WMATA board.{{cite news |last1=Kurzius |first1=Rachel |title=Metro GM And Board Chair Are At Odds Over Late Night Service |url=https://dcist.com/story/16/10/06/metro-gm-and-board-chair-disagree-o/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212153218/https://dcist.com/story/16/10/06/metro-gm-and-board-chair-disagree-o/ |url-status=live |archive-date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=DCist |date=October 6, 2016}} In December 2016, the Metro Board voted to approve a two-year service cut to late-night train services.{{cite news |last1=Kurzius |first1=Rachel |title=Metro Board Approves Two-Year Cuts To Late Night Train Service |url=https://dcist.com/story/16/12/15/metro-board-approves-two-year-cuts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212153159/https://dcist.com/story/16/12/15/metro-board-approves-two-year-cuts/ |url-status=live |archive-date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=DCist |date=December 15, 2016}} Wiedefeld proposed bringing back some late-night services in his 2020 budget proposal,{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Max |title=Metro ready to bring back some late-night hours |url=https://wtop.com/tracking-metro-24-7/2019/11/metro-ready-to-bring-back-some-late-night-hours/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=WTOP-FM |date=November 8, 2019}} but the proposed hour extensions were pushed back until 2021.{{cite news |last1=Pascale |first1=Jordan |title=Metro Board Approves More All-Day Service, Later Hours, And $2 Weekend Fares In Pitch To Bring Back Riders |url=https://dcist.com/story/21/06/03/more-all-day-service-cheaper-fares-metro-hopes-riders-return/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603123128/https://dcist.com/story/21/06/03/more-all-day-service-cheaper-fares-metro-hopes-riders-return/ |url-status=live |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=DCist |date=June 3, 2021}}

In November 2016, Wiedefeld launched the "Back2Good" initiative, a $400,000 marketing campaign aimed at winning back consumer trust through rail-car maintenance and station improvements.{{cite news |last1=Powers |first1=Martine |last2=Siddiqui |first2=Faiz |title=After SafeTrack, Metro to shift focus to rail cars — the biggest cause of delays |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/after-safetrack-metro-to-shift-focus-to-railcars--the-biggest-cause-of-delays/2016/11/30/e1f4c574-b669-11e6-a677-b608fbb3aaf6_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 30, 2016}} A Washington Post interview with WMATA riders a year following the initiative's launch found customers had mixed reactions on the state of the system, despite the improvements made to its trains.{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Faiz |title=Is Metro Back2Good? A year later, the answer seems to be: 'Stand by.' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/is-metro-back2good-a-year-later-the-answer-seems-to-be-stand-by/2017/12/16/fca6565c-dec8-11e7-8679-a9728984779c_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 16, 2017}}

Also in November 2016, Wiedefeld announced that the Metro would be doubling the number of new cars in service by 2017 while replacing its older cars, the 1000- and 4000-series, with the new 7000-series cars.{{cite news |last1=Pottiger |first1=Maya |title=Metro's chief promises fewer delays, nicer ride soon |url=https://cnsmaryland.org/2016/11/30/metros-chief-promises-fewer-delays-nicer-ride-soon/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Capital News Service |date=November 30, 2016}} In December 2021, following the derailing of a 7000-series car on the Blue Line, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission ordered WMATA's 7000-series cars out of service.{{cite news |last1=Duncan |first1=Ian |title=Metro safety commission orders cars out of service, saying agency didn't follow terms of plan |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2021/12/29/metro-7000-series-removed-service/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 29, 2021}} Wiedefeld defended the transit agency's rail car problems in a United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on February 9, 2022.{{cite news |last1=Barylick |first1=Chris |last2=Hahn |first2=Emily |last3=Motamedi |first3=Ashkan |title=Lawmakers grill Metro over its handling of defective rail cars |url=https://cnsmaryland.org/2022/02/09/lawmakers-grill-metro-over-its-handling-of-defective-rail-cars/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Capital News Service |date=February 9, 2022}}

In April 2017, Wiedefeld proposed privatizing station operations and track maintenance on the western stretch of the Silver Line as a means of saving money by relying more on outside contractors.{{cite news |last1=McCartney |first1=Robert |title=Metro GM proposes 'new business model' and $500 million a year in extra funding to save D.C.-area transit agency |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-gm-wiedefeld-proposes-new-business-model-and-500-million-a-year-in-new-funding-to-save-transit-agency/2017/04/19/dfc93514-252c-11e7-a1b3-faff0034e2de_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 19, 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Neibauer |first1=Michael |title=Wiedefeld calls for dedicated Metro funding, possible outsourcing of Silver Line functions |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2017/04/20/wiedefeld-calls-for-dedicated-metro-funding.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Washington Business Journal |date=April 20, 2017}} This proposal was opposed by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, the Metro's largest union, which argued that privatization would be bad for riders and would cost the transit agency more in the long-run.{{cite news |last1=Di Caro |first1=Martin |title=Privatize Metro? Wiedefeld's Outsourcing Plan Provokes Union Wrath And May Not Save Money |url=https://wamu.org/story/17/05/01/privatize-metro-wiedefelds-outsourcing-plan-provokes-union-wrath-may-not-save-money/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=WAMU |date=May 1, 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Powers |first1=Martine |title=Metro gets serious about outsourcing Silver Line service |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2018/01/09/metro-gets-serious-about-outsourcing-silver-line-service/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 9, 2018}} In September 2018, the Metro began requesting proposals from private companies to perform maintenance and operations on the Silver Line extension.{{cite news |last1=Powers |first1=Martine |title=When phase 2 of the Silver Line opens in 2020, Metro employees probably won't be running it |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2018/09/18/when-phase-silver-line-opens-metro-employees-probably-wont-be-running-it/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=September 18, 2018}} In December 2019, Wiedefeld announced a four-year labor contract with ATU Local 689 that would allow the transit agency to give up its strategy of privatization.{{cite news |last1=George |first1=Justin |last2=McCartney |first2=Robert |title=Metro and its largest union reach surprise labor agreement that would avoid privatization |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-and-its-largest-union-reach-surprise-labor-agreement-that-would-avoid-privatization/2019/12/10/618fa706-1b7d-11ea-b4c1-fd0d91b60d9e_story.html |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 10, 2019}} The four-year contract was approved by the Metro Board on December 20.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Max |title=Metro, largest union approve 4-year contract |url=https://wtop.com/tracking-metro-24-7/2019/12/metro-largest-union-approve-four-year-contract/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=WTOP-FM |date=December 20, 2019}}

On January 18, 2022, Wiedefeld announced that he would retire as the general manager of WMATA, effective July 18.{{cite news |last1=Massimo |first1=Rick |title=Metro GM Wiedefeld to retire |url=https://wtop.com/tracking-metro-24-7/2022/01/metro-gm-wiedefeld-to-retire/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=WTOP-FM |date=January 18, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=George |first1=Justin |title=Metro's general manager to retire after six years as top executive |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/01/18/metro-general-manager-retires/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 18, 2022}} On May 16, 2022, after WMATA announced that half of its train operators had lacked retraining and testing required for recertification, Wiedefeld announced that he would resign as general manager effective immediately, two months ahead of his scheduled retirement.{{cite news |last1=Hinton |first1=Justin |last2=Roussey |first2=Tom |last3=Parker |first3=Don |title=Metro GM/CEO Paul Wiedefeld retires effective immediately; COO Joe Leader resigns |url=https://wjla.com/news/local/metro-gm-paul-wiedefeld-retires-effective-immediately-coo-joe-leader-resigns-wmata-wmsc- |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=WJLA-TV |date=May 16, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=George |first1=Justin |title=Top Metro leaders step down one day after agency announces training lapses |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/05/16/metro-wmata-train-safety/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 16, 2022}} In October 2022, Wiedefield joined HDR, Inc. as the director of the firm's transportation practice in the northeast United States.{{cite news |title=Paul Wiedefeld Joins HDR as Northeast Region Transportation Director |url=https://metroairportnews.com/paul-wiedefeld-joins-hdr-as-northeast-region-transportation-director/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Metropolitan Airport News |date=October 3, 2022}}

On January 24, 2023, Governor Wes Moore named Wiedefeld as the Maryland Secretary of Transportation.{{cite news |last1=George |first1=Justin |last2=Shaver |first2=Katherine |last3=Wiggins |first3=Ovetta |title=Moore picks former Metro chief as Maryland transportation secretary |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/01/24/wes-moore-maryland-transportation-metro/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 24, 2023}} His nomination was unanimously approved by the Maryland Senate on February 17.{{cite news |last1=Janesch |first1=Sam |title=Final vote on Gov. Moore's pick to lead juvenile services agency delayed as other cabinet members approved |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-cabinet-schiraldi-20230217-tj4ukrnpfnbcvb7ncnagnyidii-story.html |access-date=February 17, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 17, 2023}} As the Secretary of Transportation, Wiedefeld will oversee construction of the Purple Line and Red Line transit lines, and high-occupancy toll lane expansions to the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270.{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Moore eyes Wiedefeld, former Washington metro chief, as transportation boss, sources say |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2023/01/20/moore-eyes-wiedefeld-former-washington-metro-chief-as-transportation-boss-sources-say/ |access-date=March 29, 2024 |work=Maryland Daily Record |date=January 20, 2023}} The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse occurred during his tenure, and he was involved in press briefings in the immediate aftermath of the event.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-26 |title=Key Bridge collapses into Patapsco River in Baltimore after vessel hits support column; state of emergency declared |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/26/key-bridge-collapses-into-patapsco/ |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}

In December 2023, facing a long-term budget shortfall, Wiedefeld announced a six-year plan to cut the state's transportation budget by $3.3 billion, or eight percent, including a $1.6 billion cut to "all major highway expansion construction projects" and a $652 million cut to transit expansion projects. The proposed plan would reduce commuter bus services and lines, delay the state's transition to electric buses, and cancel plans to expand the Brunswick Line.{{cite news |last1=Duncan |first1=Ian |last2=Cox |first2=Erin |title=Moore administration targets $2 billion cut to Md. transportation projects |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/12/01/maryland-transportation-cuts-moore/ |access-date=December 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 2, 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=State set to announce deep cuts to transportation agencies |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/12/02/state-set-to-announce-deep-cuts-to-transportation-agencies/ |access-date=December 2, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 2, 2023}} Although the legislature included provisions to raise fees on vehicle registration for electric vehicles and heavier cars to prevent drastic cuts to the state's transportation projects, Wiedefeld again proposed $1.3 billion in cuts to Maryland's transportation budget in September 2024, which would delay various infrastructure projects around the state, including the widening of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the state's transition to electric buses.{{cite news |last1=Weiner |first1=Rachel |title=Md. plans to delay bridge expansion, electric buses in $1.3 billion cuts |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/09/03/md-plans-delay-bridge-expansion-electric-buses-13-billion-cuts/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |work=The Washington Post |date=September 3, 2024}}

File:Swearing in Cabinet Members (52722670407) (cropped).jpg

Wiedefeld and his wife have three children and live in Towson, Maryland.{{cite news |title=Parsons Brinckerhoff vp takes over BWI airport post |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2002/04/17/parsons-brinckerhoff-vp-takes-over-bwi-airport-post/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |date=April 17, 2002}}{{cite news |last1=Giambrone |first1=Andrew |title=New Metro GM Paul Wiedefeld: I've Got 'a Load of Work to Do' |url=https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/444577/new-metro-gm-paul-wiedefeld-ive-got-a-load-of-work-to-do/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Washington City Paper |date=December 7, 2015}}

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{{s-civ}}

{{s-bef|before=Jack Requa
Acting}}

{{s-ttl|title=WMATA General Manager |years=2015–2022}}

{{s-aft|after=Andy Off
Acting}}

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{{s-end}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wiedefeld, Paul}}

Category:1955 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century American politicians

Category:21st-century Maryland politicians

Category:American civil servants

Category:Politicians from Baltimore

Category:People from Towson, Maryland

Category:Politicians from Baltimore County, Maryland

Category:Rutgers University alumni

Category:Secretaries of Transportation of Maryland

Category:Towson University alumni

Category:Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority general managers