Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

{{Infobox U.S. legislation

| shorttitle = Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Compact

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| longtitle = An Act to grant the consent of Congress for the States of Virginia and Maryland and the District of Columbia to amend the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact to establish an organization empowered to provide transit facilities in the National Capital Region and for other purposes and to enact said amendment for the District of Columbia.

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| introducedin = Senate

| introducedbill = S. 3488

| introducedby = A. Willis Robertson (D–VA)

| introduceddate = June 6, 1966

| committees = Senate Judiciary

| passedbody1 = Senate

| passeddate1 = August 25, 1966

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| passeddate2 = October 7, 1966

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| agreeddate3 = October 13, 1966

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| signedpresident = Lyndon B. Johnson

| signeddate = November 5, 1966

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Starting in the mid-19th century, the Washington area had been served by a variety of private bus lines and streetcar services, including extensions of Northern Virginia trolleys. Over time, most were absorbed into the Capital Transit Company, formed on December 1, 1933, by the amalgamation of the Washington Railway and Electric Company, Capital Traction, and the Washington Rapid Transit bus company. Financier Louis Wolfson acquired the company in 1949 but had his franchise revoked in 1955 amid a crippling strike. Congress then awarded a 20-year concession to O. Roy Chalk on the condition that he replace the city's remaining streetcars with buses by 1963. The company was thereafter known as D.C. Transit.

Also in 1955, the Mass Transportation Survey began to plan highway and mass transit systems that would meet the needs of the Washington area in 1980.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|pp=33–38}} In 1959, the study's final report called for the construction of two rapid transit subway lines in downtown Washington.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|p=39}} Congress responded to the report by enacting the National Capital Transportation Act of 1960,{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|p=41}} which created the federal National Capital Transportation Agency (NCTA) to coordinate transportation planning for the area. The report also called for extensive freeway construction within the District of Columbia, but residents successfully lobbied for a moratorium on freeway construction in what became part of a movement called the "freeway revolts."{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|p=42}}

The NCTA's November 1962 "Transportation in the National Capital Region" report proposed an 89-mile (143 km) rail system that would cost $793 million, less than the 1959 plan because several controversial freeways were removed.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|pp=53–54}} The plan was supported by President Kennedy, but opposed by highway advocates in Congress who reduced the rail system to only {{convert|23|mi}} within the District of Columbia.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|pp=53–54}} However, that proposal was defeated in Congress shortly after President Kennedy's death.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|p=58}} The Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 passed Congress, which promised 66% federal funding for urban mass transportation projects. Encouraged by the new act, the NCTA recommended the formation of a private entity or a multi-state authority to operate the system using more non-federal funds.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|p=59}} On September 8, 1965, President Johnson signed the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965 approving the construction of a {{convert|25|mi|adj=on}} rapid transit system.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|p=63}}

The NCTA negotiated with Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia to form a new regional entity. The authority was created by an interstate compact, a special type of contract or agreement between one or more states. Pursuant to the Compact Clause of the U.S. Constitution, any such compact must be approved by Congress.An interstate compact must either be explicitly or implicitly approved by Congress; see Virginia v. Tennessee, 148 U.S. 503 (1893) After the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Compact was approved by the Maryland General Assembly in 1965, and passed through the Virginia General Assembly and Congress in 1966, WMATA was founded on February 20, 1967.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009|p=i}}

As a government agency, the compact grants WMATA sovereign immunity by all three jurisdictions in which it operates, and except for certain limited exceptions, the authority cannot be successfully sued unless it waives immunity.{{cite web |url=http://cases.justia.com/us-court-of-appeals/F3/295/36/597263/ |title=Watters v. Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority |year=2002 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |archive-date=June 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629081146/http://cases.justia.com/us-court-of-appeals/F3/295/36/597263/ |url-status=live }} 295 F.3d 36 Under the provisions of the compact, the authority is legally incorporated in the District of Columbia, where WMATA maintains its headquarters.

{{multiple image

| image1 = WMATA Blue Line train and Crystal City skyline, February 1999.jpg

| caption1 = A Washington Metro Rohr 1000-Series train on the Blue Line in February 1999

| image2 = U-Street Station Platform 07.jpg

| caption2 = A Washington Metro Alstom 6000-Series on the Yellow Line in September 2017

}}

WMATA broke ground for its train system in 1969.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/upload/history.pdf |title=WMATA History |publisher=WMATA |access-date=February 3, 2011 |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701214349/https://www.wmata.com/about/upload/history.pdf |url-status=dead }} The first portion of the Metrorail system opened March 27, 1976, connecting Farragut North to Rhode Island Avenue on the Red Line.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/upload/Metro-Facts-2017-FINAL.pdf |title=Sequence of Metrorail openings |year=2017 |publisher=Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |page=3 |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140221/https://www.wmata.com/about/upload/Metro-Facts-2017-FINAL.pdf |url-status=dead }} The {{Convert|103|mi}} of the original 83-station system was completed on January 13, 2001, with the opening of Green Line's segment from Anacostia to Branch Avenue.

WMATA's bus system is a successor to four privately owned bus companies.{{Cite news |title=Metro Funds Requested |date=January 15, 1988 |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=C5}} While WMATA's original compact provided only for rail service, by 1970 the need for reliable bus services to connect passengers to rail stations led to calls for authority to overhaul the entire bus system as well. The compact was amended in 1971, allowing the authority to operate buses and take over bus companies.{{sfnp |WMATA|2009|p=20}}{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|p=176}} After months of negotiation with Chalk failed to produce an agreed price, on January 14, 1973, WMATA condemned D.C. Transit and its sister company, the Washington, Virginia and Maryland Coach Company and acquired their assets for $38.2 million. On February 4, it acquired the Alexandria, Barcroft and Washington Transit Company, which operated in Northern Virginia, and the WMA Transit Company of Prince George's County for $4.5 million. While AB&W and WMA Transit were in better financial condition than D.C. Transit, their owners did not wish to compete with a publicly owned bus system, and requested a takeover.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|pp=175–76}}

In 1979, an organization known as Metro 2001, Inc., planned to write a history of the development of the Metro system for WMATA using such documents as Congressional hearing transcripts, correspondence, and maps. This Metro History Project was abandoned in 1985, and materials that had been collected up until that point (1930–1984) were donated to George Washington University. As of 2018, this collection of materials was under the care of GWU's Special Collections Research Center, located in the Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library.{{cite web |url=https://library.gwu.edu/ead/ms2034.xml |title=Guide to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: Metro History Project Collection, 1930–1984 |website=Special Collections Research Center, Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library, George Washington University |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615201728/https://library.gwu.edu/ead/ms2034.xml |url-status=live }}

In 1998, Congress changed the name of the Washington National Airport to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, though the law did not allocate money to implement the name change. As a result, WMATA did not change the name of the National Airport station (which never included the full name of the airport). In response to repeated inquiries from Republican congressmen that the station be renamed, WMATA stated that stations are renamed only at the request of the local jurisdiction. Since both Arlington County and the District of Columbia were controlled by Democrats, the name change was blocked. Finally, in 2001, Congress made changing the station's name a condition of further federal funding.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|p=258}}{{Cite news |title=GOP Ups Pressure on Metro |last=Layton |first=Lyndsey |date=April 20, 2001 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite news |title=House Votes to Require 'Reagan' at Metro Stop |last=Layton |first=Lyndsey |date=December 1, 2001 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite act |title=H.R.2299 – Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 |date=November 30, 2001 |article=§ 345 |articletype=Bill |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/2299 |access-date=March 28, 2018 }} {{Cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/2299 |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329122329/https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/2299 |url-status=bot: unknown }}

{{Main|Great Recession}}

In response to a demand for immediate repayment of a $43 million debt, WMATA sought a temporary restraining order against the KBC Bank Group. KBC claimed that the WMATA was in technical default of a contract following the collapse of American International Group, which had guaranteed the loan that KBC made to WMATA in 2002. The contract involved the sale to KBC of WMATA's rail cars, which were then leased back to WMATA. The transit agency asked for an injunction from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on October 29, 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/117_218/-296386-1.html |title=Judge Urges KBC, WMATA to Settle |last1=Funk |first1=Lynne |last2=Dutton |first2=Audrey |date=November 13, 2008 |website=The Bond Buyer |access-date=January 16, 2011 |archive-date=June 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609182735/http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/117_218/-296386-1.html |url-status=live }}

After three days of negotiations in federal court, Judge Rosemary M. Collyer announced a settlement on November 14, 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/117_220/-296477-1.html |title=KBC, WMATA Reach Agreement |last=Fun |first=Lynne |date=November 17, 2008 |website=The Bond Buyer |access-date=January 16, 2011 |archive-date=June 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609182824/http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/117_220/-296477-1.html |url-status=live }} WMATA had 14 similar lease agreements with other financial institutions when the KBC case went to trial. Waivers were requested from the banks to allow WMATA time to replace AIG with another insurer or guarantees by the federal government.{{Cite press release |title=Metro settlement reached in leaseback deal |date=November 14, 2008 |publisher=WMATA |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2345 |access-date=January 16, 2011 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717021325/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2345 |url-status=live }}

In 2009, WMATA issued two new series of municipal bonds bringing its total outstanding bonds to $390.9 million, as of June 30, 2010.{{sfnp|WMATA|2010|p=37}} This includes $55 million of Build America Bonds issued in 2009 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that are partially funded by the federal government.{{sfnp|WMATA|2010|p=39}}

However, most of the system's debt is financed directly by each local jurisdiction. In addition, WMATA was authorized to receive $202 million in grants from the federal government for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects. The funds are spent in 30 projects which include information technology, facilities maintenance, and vehicles and vehicle parts.{{cite web |url=http://www.wmata.com/stimulus/index.cfm?nocache |title=Economic Stimulus Program |publisher=WMATA |access-date=January 1, 2011 |archive-date=December 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220214119/http://www.wmata.com/stimulus/index.cfm?nocache |url-status=dead }}

On January 14, 2010, general manager John B. Catoe announced his resignation from Metro, effective April 2, 2010.{{Cite news |url=http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1863909 |title=Metro GM Catoe announces resignation |date=January 14, 2010 |publisher=WTOP |access-date=January 14, 2010 |archive-date=June 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611205235/http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1863909 |url-status=live }}{{Cite press release |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4243 |title=Metro General Manager John Catoe to retire |date=January 14, 2010 |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717021325/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4243 |url-status=live }} He was replaced on April 3, 2010, by interim general manager Richard Sarles. Sarles became one of three finalists interviewing for the permanent position,{{Cite news |title=Metro talks with Sarles, 2 more for top job |last=Scott Tyson |first=Ann |date=January 16, 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=C6}} and later became the permanent general manager on January 27, 2011. Jack Requa became the interim general manager upon Sarles' retirement January 16, 2015.{{Cite press release |title=Metro Board appoints Requa as Interim General Manager/CEO, Green-Ellison as Board Corporate Secretary |date=January 8, 2015 |publisher=WMATA |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5844 |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516010532/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5844 |url-status=live }}

File:Potomac Yard Opening Day Sign.jpg

Just 2 of WMATA's 98 stops are in-fill stations.

NoMa-Gallaudet on the Red Line, opened in 2004, filled a gap between Union Station and Brookland-CUA. The station's planned name was New York Avenue,{{Cite web |title=FHWA – Center for Innovative Finance Support – Project Profiles |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/project_profiles/dc_noma.aspx |access-date=April 7, 2025 |website=fhwa.dot.gov}} but it opened as "New York Avenue-Florida Avenue-Gallaudet University" and changed to its present name in 2011.

The other is Potomac Yard on the southern end of the Blue and Yellow Lines, between Braddock Road and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport stations. It opened on May 19, 2023, after three years of construction.{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2023 |title=WMATA opens long awaited Potomac Yard station |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/technology/facilities/press-release/53061073/wmata-washington-metropolitan-area-transit-authority-wmata-opens-long-awaited-potomac-yard-station |access-date=April 7, 2025 |website=Mass Transit |language=en}}

WMATA was originally set up with a board of directors, of twelve members. Of those, six were voting members, and six were alternates. In response to the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, the WMATA Compact was amended on August 19, 2009, to allow the appointment of four additional board members by the federal government, bringing the total to sixteen.{{sfnp |WMATA|2009|p=2}}

{{As of|March 2018}}, there were a total of sixteen board members: eight voting members and eight alternates. Virginia, Maryland, and the District had each appointed two voting members and two alternate members.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/board/ |title=Board of Directors |website=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713173738/https://www.wmata.com/about/board/ |url-status=live }} The Federal Government, through the Secretary of Transportation, is authorized to appoint up to two voting and two alternate members.{{cite web |date=December 4, 2015 |title=Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act |url=https://www.congress.gov/114/plaws/publ94/PLAW-114publ94.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412141832/https://www.congress.gov/114/plaws/publ94/PLAW-114publ94.pdf |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |publisher=Congress.gov |at=Pub. L. No. 114–94, § 3026, 129 Stat. 1312, 1495 (2015)}}

Board members serve without pay, but may be reimbursed for actual expenses.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009|p=3}} The board appoints a general manager as CEO to supervise the day-to-day operation of the authority. Under the terms of the "Procedures for WMATA Board of Directors", none of the individual board members, including the chairman, have any power to act regarding the operations of the authority or to issue instructions to the general manager or employees; only the entire board as a body has the power to instruct the general manager.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/board/upload/Procedures.pdf |title=Procedures of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors |date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027004920/https://www.wmata.com/about/board/upload/Procedures.pdf |url-status=live }} It states, "The authority of the Board of Directors is vested in the collective body and not in its individual Members. Accordingly, the Board, in establishing or providing any policies, orders, guidance, or instructions to the General Manager or WMATA staff, shall act as a body. No Member individually shall direct or supervise the General Manager or any WMATA employee or contractor."

The board approves WMATA's annual budget. The budget was approximately $3.1 billion in fiscal year 2019.{{sfnp|WMATA|2017|p=ix}} That same year also saw 40.3% of revenues coming from capital contributions, 23.2% from passenger revenues, 31.7% from local jurisdiction operations funding, 3.5% from interest income, 1.6% from advertising revenue, 0.9% from rental revenue, and 0.2% from other sources.{{sfnp|WMATA|2017|p=ix}}

As of July 2018, The WMATA board had the following standing committees: Executive, Finance and Capital, Capital & Strategic Planning, and Safety and Operation.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/board/Committee-Assignments-Jul-2018.cfm |title=Board Committee Assignments Effective July 12, 2018 |date=July 12, 2018 |website=WMATA |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828102406/https://www.wmata.com/about/board/Committee-Assignments-Jul-2018.cfm |url-status=dead }}

The position of board chairman rotates between the three jurisdictions. Article III Section 5 of the Compact specifies the method of appointment.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009|p=2}} The Compact prohibits WMATA from paying board members.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009|p=4}} However, Maryland pays its voting board members $20,000 per year and Virginia pays $50 per meeting. The District of Columbia does not compensate its board members.

On February 17, 2011, outgoing 2010–11 WMATA Board Chairman Peter Benjamin announced he was leaving the board and would be replaced by former Congressman Michael D. Barnes.{{Cite news |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dr-gridlock/2011/02/benjamin_to_leave_metro_board.html |title=Benjamin to leave Metro board |date=February 17, 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=March 2, 2011 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304235816/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dr-gridlock/2011/02/benjamin_to_leave_metro_board.html |url-status=dead }} The new Governance Committee of the WMATA board, which at the time was chaired by Mary Hynes,{{Citation |title=WMATA board meeting, January 27, 2011 – Mary Hynes on bag search issue |date=January 28, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngJCU75vkyc |access-date=March 28, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328235518/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngJCU75vkyc |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Metro News Release {{!}} WMATA |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4928 |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=www.wmata.com |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328235507/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4928 |url-status=live }} held its first meeting and established a work plan{{cite web |url=http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/board_of_directors/board_docs/022411_GCACmteWorkPlan.pdf |title=WMATA Governance Committee Work Plan |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 2, 2011 |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718075426/http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/board_of_directors/board_docs/022411_GCACmteWorkPlan.pdf |url-status=dead }} to develop a new relationship between the board and WMATA management. The committee will draft new bylaws that will better define the role and term of the WMATA Board Chairman. The Governance Committee will also draft a code of conduct for board members.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/17/AR2011021707129.html |title=Metro board considers its future and how agency should be run |last=Scott Tyson |first=Ann |date=February 18, 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=March 2, 2011 |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929222704/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/17/AR2011021707129.html |url-status=live }}

The general manager is the chief executive officer of WMATA and leads all staff except that the general counsel, inspector general, and board secretary, who report directly to the board.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/leadership/org-chart.cfm |title=Metro Organization Chart |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516012145/https://www.wmata.com/about/leadership/org-chart.cfm |url-status=live }} WMATA has a chief safety officer which reports to the general manager. The safety of the system is independently reviewed by the Tri-State Oversight Committee and the National Transportation Safety Board.{{cite web |url=http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/incidents_investigations_landing.cfm |title=Responding to Safety Oversight |publisher=WMATA |access-date=February 1, 2011 |archive-date=December 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202225607/http://wmata.com/about_metro/incidents_investigations_landing.cfm |url-status=dead }} On March 4, 2010, the Federal Transit Administration issued an Audit of the State Safety Oversight (SSO) program overseeing Metro which criticised the SSO as being underfunded and poorly trained. In response, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia have increased their SSO funding and training for their employees responsible for safety oversight at Metro.{{cite web |url=http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/August%20Response%20to%20FTA.pdf |title=SSO Audit Finding Status |date=August 13, 2010 |access-date=February 1, 2011 |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226231729/http://wmata.com/about_metro/August%20Response%20to%20FTA.pdf |url-status=dead }}

Jackson Graham, a retired general in the Army Corps of Engineers who supervised the planning and initial construction of the Metrorail system, was the first general manager. Graham retired in 1976, and was replaced by Theodore C. Lutz.{{sfnp|Schrag|2006|pp=186–87}} Richard S. Page, head of the Urban Mass Transportation Administration (the name of the Federal Transit Administration until 1991), took over as general manager of WMATA in 1979.{{Cite news |title=DOT Official Is Named to Head Metro; U.S. Mass Transit Chief Is Named to Head Metro |last=Feaver |first=Douglas B. |date=March 23, 1979 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Page resigned in 1983, amid increasing financial difficulties for WMATA.{{Cite news |title=Page Is Resigning As Metro Manager After Four Years |last=Lynton |first=Stephen J. |date=April 3, 1983 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} and was replaced by Carmen E. Turner,{{Cite news |title=Metro Board Names Turner As Transit System's Manager |last=Lynton |first=Stephen J. |date=July 1, 1983 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} who served for seven years.{{Cite news |title=Metro's Top Official to Join Smithsonian |last1=Kastor |first1=Elizabeth |date=October 3, 1990 |newspaper=The Washington Post |last2=Fehr |first2=Stephen C.}} Former New York City Transit Authority chief, David L. Gunn, took over as head of WMATA in 1991,{{Cite news |title=New Metro Chief Welcomes 'Challenge';Gunn Takes Helm of System as Problems of Age and Cost Loom |last=Fehr |first=Stephen C. |date=February 22, 1991 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} followed by Lawrence G. Reuter in 1994,{{Cite news |title=Board Pins Hopes On Next Metro Chief; Reuter Seen as a Superior Negotiator |last=Fehr |first=Stephen C. |date=January 31, 1994 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} and Richard A. White in 1996.

White led efforts to improve accountability and dialogue with passengers during 2005. This included independent audits, town hall meetings, online chats with White and other management officials, and improved signage in stations. White had three more years in his contract to work for Metro, but had come under fire for mismanagement; however, he was also "widely credited with saving the Metrobus system from collapse and with keeping Metro running during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001."{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/11/AR2006011101542.html?nav=rss_metro |title=Metro Drops Longtime Manager |last=Layton, Lyndsey |date=January 12, 2006 |access-date=January 16, 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316123119/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/11/AR2006011101542.html?nav=rss_metro |url-status=live }} Despite these efforts, however, the board of directors dismissed White on January 11, 2006. Dan Tangherlini replaced White as interim general manager, effective February 16, 2006.

Tangherlini was considered a leading candidate for Metro's top job on a permanent basis before he resigned to work as D.C. City Administrator under Mayor Adrian Fenty. On November 6, 2006, Tangherlini was replaced as interim general manager by Jack Requa, Metro's chief bus manager. John B. Catoe Jr., who was previously the deputy chief executive officer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, became the agency's eighth permanent general manager on January 25, 2007.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/13/AR2006111301413.html |title=Metro Picks L.A. Official, D.C. Native As Manager |last=Sun |first=Lena H. |date=November 14, 2006 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 15, 2006 |page=A01 |archive-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711070004/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/13/AR2006111301413.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite press release |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=1512 |title=Veteran Transit Executive John B. Catoe, Jr. appointed Metro's next general manager |publisher=WMATA |date=January 25, 2007 |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516012055/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=1512 |url-status=live }} He resigned three years later following the deadliest crash in the Metrorail system's history.

On April 3, 2010, the board of directors appointed Richard Sarles, former executive director of New Jersey Transit, as interim general manager. Sarles, 65, was offered the position of permanent general manager but declined the appointment at that time.News Report, WRC-TV, Channel 4 News at 5, March 16, 2010. However, on January 27, 2011, the Board announced that Sarles accepted the position as WMATA's permanent general manager.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/27/AR2011012707083.html |title=Metro names chief executive and board members |date=January 27, 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=October 3, 2011 |archive-date=January 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130174859/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/27/AR2011012707083.html |url-status=live }}

With Sarles' retirement, the post of general manager was filled by Paul Wiedefeld on November 30, 2015.{{cite web |url=http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/general_manager/index2.cfm |title=General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld |date=November 30, 2015 |publisher=Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |access-date=January 25, 2016 |archive-date=January 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123001224/http://wmata.com/about_metro/general_manager/index2.cfm |url-status=dead }}

On January 18, 2022, WMATA announced that Paul Wiedefeld would be retiring from Metro in 6 months and WMATA's board of directors will be conducting a national search for his replacement.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Wiedefeld-Retirement-Announcement.cfm |title=Metro Board announces retirement of General Manager/CEO |date=January 18, 2022 |publisher=Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |access-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517165657/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Wiedefeld-Retirement-Announcement.cfm |url-status=live }} On May 10, 2022, WMATA announced that current president and CEO of Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Randy Clarke as its new general manager and CEO beginning in summer 2022.{{cite web |title=WMATA's Board of Directors Selects Randy Clarke as its New General Manager and CEO {{!}} WMATA |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-Board-announces-new-GM-Randy-Clarke.cfm |website=www.wmata.com |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517052346/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-Board-announces-new-GM-Randy-Clarke.cfm |url-status=live }} On May 16, 2022, Wiedefeld announced he will retire early with Andy Off being the interim general manager.{{cite web |title=Statement from Metro GM / CEO Paul Wiedefeld {{!}} WMATA |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/GM-CEO-Paul-Wiedefeld-statement.cfm |website=www.wmata.com |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517123524/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/GM-CEO-Paul-Wiedefeld-statement.cfm |url-status=live }}

The agency's charter directs WMATA to create a unified regional transit system by coordinating other public and private agencies within its jurisdiction.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009|p=20}} Examples of its coordination efforts include: reducing unnecessary, duplicate services by other local transit systems, providing "SmarTrip" farecards for buses operated by other local transit agencies,{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2353 |title=SmarTrip users to gain added benefit when transferring |date=November 24, 2008 |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054340/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2353 |url-status=live }} and adding local bus schedules and commuter rail routes (such as Maryland's MARC and Virginia's VRE) to WMATA's online "Trip Planner" guide.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/ |title=Trip Planner |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619120426/https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Metro Transit Police Department}}

Congress established the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) on June 4, 1976.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009|p=i}} MTPD police officers have jurisdiction and arrest powers for crimes that occur throughout the {{Convert|1500|sqmi||adj=on}} Transit Zone that includes Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/transit-police/ |title=Metro Transit Police |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=May 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509062256/https://www.wmata.com/about/transit-police/ |url-status=live }}

The Office of Inspector General was originally authorized by Board Resolution 2006–18, approved by the WMATA Board on April 20, 2006.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/inspector-general/upload/semiannual-report-02-09-10.pdf |title=Semiannual Report to the Board of Directors No. 5 |date=February 9, 2010 |publisher=WMATA Office of the Inspector General |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516010536/https://www.wmata.com/about/inspector-general/upload/semiannual-report-02-09-10.pdf |url-status=live }} With the amendments enacted on August 19, 2009, the Office of Inspector General became part of the WMATA Compact.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009|pp=3–4}} This change was one of the requirements for the $1.5 billion federal grant offered by the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009}} Helen Lew became the Metro's first Inspector General on May 14, 2007, establishing the WMATA Office of Inspector General. Her appointment by the board of directors replaced the former Auditor General's Office. On April 17, 2017, Geoffrey Cherrington replaced Lew, who retired, as Inspector General,{{cite web|url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/cherrington-oig.cfm|title=Metro Board names Geoffrey Cherrington Inspector General {{pipe}} WMATA|website=www.wmata.com|access-date=February 22, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035858/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/cherrington-oig.cfm|url-status=live}} Unlike the Auditor General, the Inspector General and his office report directly to the Board and are organizationally independent of WMATA management.

{{Main|Washington Metro}}

Since opening in 1976, the Metrorail network has grown to include six lines, 98 stations, and 129 miles (208 km) of track. As of 2023, it is the second-busiest rapid transit system in the United States in average daily ridership after the New York City Subway{{cite web |date=September 13, 2023 |title=Public Transit Ridership Report, Second Quarter 2023 |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-Q2-APTA-Ridership.pdf |access-date=October 31, 2023 |website=American Public Transportation Association |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410032829/https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-Q2-APTA-Ridership.pdf |url-status=live }} The record for daily ridership was 1.12 million on January 20, 2009, the day of Barack Obama's first Presidential Inauguration, followed by the Women's March on January 21, 2017, with 1,001,613 trips.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/01/23/top-10-metro-ridership-days-can-you-guess-what-they-are/ |title=Top 10 Metro Ridership Days: Can you guess what they are? |last=Powers |first=Martine |date=January 23, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=December 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210072357/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/01/23/top-10-metro-ridership-days-can-you-guess-what-they-are/ |url-status=live }} In 2016, Metrorail had nearly 180 million trips. Fares vary based on the distance traveled and the time of day. Riders can enter and exit the system by using a proximity card known as SmarTrip,{{cite web|url=http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/faregates.cfm |title=How to Use Metrorail Faregates, Farecards, and Passes |publisher=Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |access-date=January 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108094919/http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/faregates.cfm |archive-date=November 8, 2016}} or by using contactless payments via credit card, debit card, or smart device.{{Cite news|last=Weiner|first=Rachel|date=2025-05-28|title=You can now pay for D.C. Metro trains with your credit card|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/05/28/tap-go-metro-credit-card/|access-date=2025-05-29|work=The Washington Post|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}{{cite web | title=Metro starts tap-to-pay contactless payment at stations | website=NBC4 Washington | date=May 28, 2025 | url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/metro-starts-tap-to-pay-contactless-payment-at-stations/3923074/ | access-date=May 29, 2025}}

SmarTrip cards can also be used on a smartphone through Apple Pay and Google Pay.{{cite web|title=As riders return, Metro customers have more ways to pay with the launch of SmarTrip for Android™ in Google Pay {{!}} WMATA|url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/SmarTrip-for-Android-in-Google-Pay.cfm|access-date=July 7, 2021|website=www.wmata.com|archive-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717021324/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/SmarTrip-for-Android-in-Google-Pay.cfm|url-status=live}} Magnetic stripe tickets stopped being accepted on March 6, 2016.{{cite web |title=Metro is going Paperless! |url=https://www.wmata.com/fares/paperless.cfm |website=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826153111/http://www.wmata.com/fares/paperless.cfm |url-status=live }} Metrorail's frequency of service and fares vary depending on the available funding, the particular transit line, and the distance traveled.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/ |title=Timetables |website=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=January 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195701/https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/ |url-status=live }}

Metro offers parking for commuters at 44 Metrorail stations. Most lots are on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly each day. Thirty-six stations offer reserved parking, with customers purchasing permits to park in specified spaces. Four Metrorail stations (Greenbelt, Huntington, Franconia–Springfield, and Wiehle-Reston East) have spaces reserved for multi-day parking for up to ten days. Parking fees are paid by SmarTrip card or credit card. Cash payments are not accepted for parking fees.{{cite web|url=https://www.wmata.com/service/parking/|title=Parking |publisher=WMATA|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=January 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126122702/https://www.wmata.com/service/parking/|url-status=live}}

Image:WMATA Metrobus 6567.jpg DE42LFA #6567 Local branded bus at the Ballston-MU Metro Station in April 2011.]]

{{Main|Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|List of Metrobus routes (Washington, D.C.)}}

Metrobus' fleet consists of 1,505 buses covering an area of {{Convert|1500|sqmi|}} in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. There are 269 bus routes serving 11,129 stops, including 2,554 bus shelters. Metrobus had 130.8 million trips in 2016. On a typical weekday, it provides more than 400,000 trips.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/plans/upload/201706-JCC-June-2017-Preliminary-Ridership-Rpt_-07092017.pdf |title=Metrobus Monthly Ridership: June 2017 — Preliminary |date=June 2017 |website=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710022335/http://www.wmata.com/initiatives/plans/upload/201706-JCC-June-2017-Preliminary-Ridership-Rpt_-07092017.pdf |url-status=live }}

The route numbering represents its region of operation. To differ the regions numbering system, letters for Maryland routes appear before the route number and the ones for Virginia routes appear after it. For example, A12 serves Maryland, and 17M serves Virginia.{{cite web |last1=Rowlands |first1=DW |title=8W? 30N? U7? How Metrobus numbers came to be |url=https://ggwash.org/view/69086/how-metrobus-numbers-came-to-be |website=Greater Greater Washington |access-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032407/https://ggwash.org/view/69086/how-metrobus-numbers-came-to-be |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Metroway}}

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Metroway is a bus rapid transit (BRT) service that began on August 24, 2014. The first phase is the Crystal City/Potomac Yard Transitway, which operates on Route 1 in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia.{{Cite news |last=Lazo |first=Luz |date=August 23, 2014 |title=Metroway, the region's first bus rapid transit, to debut in Northern Virginia |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metroway-the-regions-first-bus-rapid-transit-debuts-sunday-in-northern-virginia/2014/08/22/17c63392-2920-11e4-958c-268a320a60ce_story.html |access-date=December 18, 2014 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218104226/http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metroway-the-regions-first-bus-rapid-transit-debuts-sunday-in-northern-virginia/2014/08/22/17c63392-2920-11e4-958c-268a320a60ce_story.html |url-status=live }} It is a {{convert|5|mi|adj=on}} corridor with 33 platforms and 20 stations located between {{wmata|Pentagon City}} and {{wmata|Braddock Road}}.{{Cite web |title=Route |url=http://metrowayva.com/route/ |access-date=December 18, 2014 |website=Metroway |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218075549/http://metrowayva.com/route/ |url-status=live }} The first 0.8 mile segment in Alexandria runs on a transit lane only. The Arlington County segment began construction in the summer of 2014 and opened April 17, 2016. Metroway originally operated between the Braddock Road and {{wmata|Crystal City}} stations and was expanded to Pentagon City in April 2016.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Max |date=April 17, 2016 |title=New bus-only lanes open along Jefferson Davis Highway |publisher=WTOP |url=http://wtop.com/sprawl-crawl/2016/04/new-bus-lanes-open-along-rt-1/ |access-date=April 18, 2016 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716071252/http://wtop.com/sprawl-crawl/2016/04/new-bus-lanes-open-along-rt-1/ |url-status=live }} Thirteen 2016 New Flyer Xcelsior XN40 CNG buses (2981–2993) operate with the blue-and-white Metroway livery. The original Metroway fleet consisted of thirteen 2014 NABI 42 BRT diesel-electric hybrid buses (8002–8014) until they were all repainted in December 2016. The Metroway service, which is operated by Metrobus' Four Mile Run bus division, features dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority, real-time information, custom designed shelters and stations, as well as near-level boarding at station platforms. A Metroway fare costs the same as Metrobus.

{{Main|MetroAccess}}

MetroAccess is a paratransit service that WMATA provides through private contractors. It began operation in May 1994 and since that time annual ridership has grown from 200,000 to more than 2.4 million passengers. MetroAccess operates 365 days a year, providing door-to-door, shared rides reserved from one to seven days in advance. It is now the sixth-largest paratransit service in the United States with a fleet of more than 600 vehicles and more than 1,000 employees. WMATA staff determines eligibility to use the service in response to written applications. The cost per passenger for MetroAccess is significantly higher than its fixed-route counterparts, and Metro has worked to provide as many opportunities to encourage and facilitate the use of fixed-route transit by its customers with disabilities.

WMATA includes art works at stations and sometimes on the trains.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/art-in-transit/ |title=Art in Transit |work=WMATA |year=2021 |access-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709101706/http://www.wmata.com/initiatives/art-in-transit/ |url-status=live }} Thirty-nine stations include artwork.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/art-in-transit/Stations-with-Artwork.cfm |title=Stations with Artwork |work=WMATA |year=2021 |access-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516012040/https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/art-in-transit/Stations-with-Artwork.cfm |url-status=live }} Funding for the art comes from several sources, including the town in which the station is located, the WMATA art program, the Federal Transit Administration, local art groups, and some pieces are gifts or on loan. WMATA has solicited feedback from riders concerning art in the stations and to guide choices on future installations.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2019/01/31/do-you-like-artwork-metro-stations-how-about-music/ |title=Do you like the artwork in Metro stations? How about the music? |newspaper=The Washington Post |last=Kunkle |first=Frederick |date=January 31, 2019 |access-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-date=July 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712203359/https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2019/01/31/do-you-like-artwork-metro-stations-how-about-music/ |url-status=live }}

{{Update|section|inaccurate=yes|date=March 2023}}

Fares and other revenue fund 57.6% of the Metro's daily operations while state and local governments fund the remaining 42.4%. Since the Metro's inception, the federal government has provided grants for 65% of the system's capital costs. Metrorail is unusual among major public transportation systems in having no dedicated source of funding.{{cite news |last1=McCartney |first1=Robert |last2=Duggan |first2=Paul |date=April 24, 2016 |title=Metro sank into crisis despite decades of warnings |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-sank-into-crisis-despite-decades-of-warnings/2016/04/24/1c4db91c-0736-11e6-a12f-ea5aed7958dc_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=August 14, 2016 |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219130404/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-sank-into-crisis-despite-decades-of-warnings/2016/04/24/1c4db91c-0736-11e6-a12f-ea5aed7958dc_story.html |url-status=live }} Instead, each year WMATA must ask each local jurisdiction to contribute funding, which is determined by a formula that equally considers three factors:

1. population density, as of the most recent United States census;
2. average weekday ridership;
3. number of stations in each jurisdiction.

Under this formula, the District of Columbia contributes the greatest amount (37.5%), followed by Prince George's County (20.8%), Montgomery County (16.6%), Fairfax County (13.5%), and 11.6% from all other jurisdictions.{{cite web|author=Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |title= Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Years Ended June 30 2018 and 2017 |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/records/public_docs/upload/Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report-for-the-Fiscal-Years-Ended-June-30-2018-and-2017.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205165335/https://wmata.com/about/records/public_docs/upload/Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report-for-the-Fiscal-Years-Ended-June-30-2018-and-2017.pdf |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |date=October 25, 2018 |p=52}} From time to time, a local jurisdiction will agree to subsidize a specific fare, with the jurisdiction funding the cost of the subsidy in addition to its contribution under the above formula. For example, the District of Columbia subsidized the fares charged at Metrorail stations located in economically challenged neighborhoods.

The cost of Metrobus is allocated under a formula that considers the excess of expenses over revenues from specific bus routes.{{sfnp|WMATA|2017}} The cost of MetroAccess is allocated under a different formula, which divides MetroAccess costs by the number of trips requested by riders who reside in each jurisdiction.{{sfnp|WMATA|2017}}

In 2004 the Brookings Institution released a report entitled "Deficits by Design" that found the agency's serious budgetary challenges owe in large part to its problematic revenue base.{{cite news|title=Washington's Metro: Deficits by Design|publisher=The Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program |author=Puentes, Robert |year=2004}} Most notably, Brookings found that WMATA's extraordinary lack of dedicated funding sources has necessitated an over-reliance on annually appropriated support that makes the agency vulnerable to perennial financial crises. As a result, the region's political and business leaders created a committee to look at new ways to fund the system, including some type of dedicated tax.

Title VI of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 16, 2008, authorized a grant of $1.5 billion over a 10-year period for Metrorail capital maintenance projects. The grant was contingent upon the establishment of dedicated revenue sources for the Metro by the Compact jurisdictions.{{cite web |url=https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L03588 |title=Public Law 110-432 Federal Rail Safety Improvements, Division B, Title VI (Section 601) |website=U.S. Government Printing Office |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911074101/https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L03588 |url-status=live }} An amendment to the Metro's Compact on August 19, 2009, added the requirement for payments "from dedicated funding sources" by the Compact's participating jurisdictions.{{sfnp|WMATA|2009|p=9}} In June 2010, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell threatened to withhold Virginia's WMATA funding unless the composition of WMATA's board is modified to allow Virginia's Governor to appoint two of the four Virginia seats, instead of the localities. On June 17, 2010, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff required a formal commitment from Virginia to match its share of the federal funds if the federal funding is to continue.{{Cite news |title=Va. could jeopardize Metro plan |last1=Rein |first1=Lisa |newspaper=The Washington Post |last2=Kumar |first2=Anita |page=B5}} On July 1, 2010, the WMATA Board of Directors agreed to provide matching funds without regard to McDonnell's request for Board seats. Based on this agreement, the federal funds were reconfirmed, and WMATA was able to proceed with a contract to purchase 428 new Metrorail cars.{{Cite news |title=Metro's directors back $300 million accord with Va. |last1=Rein |first1=Lisa |date=July 2, 2010 |newspaper=The Washington Post |last2=Kumar |first2=Anita |page=B4}} McDonnell pressed for a Board seat again in 2011, and used his amendatory veto authority to amend the 2010–11 budget to require the NVTC to appoint someone of the Governor's choosing to fill one of the NVTC seats on the WMATA Board.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/mcdonnell-to-appoint-a-northern-virginian-to-metro-board/2011/04/07/AF1KMLwC_blog.html |title=McDonnell to appoint a Northern Virginian to Metro Board |last=Kumar |first=Anita |date=April 7, 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 16, 2011 |archive-date=November 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127152010/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/mcdonnell-to-appoint-a-northern-virginian-to-metro-board/2011/04/07/AF1KMLwC_blog.html |url-status=live }}

In the course of considering a continuing resolution for federal fiscal year 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives sought to defund all "earmarks" including the $150 million annual installment toward the $1.5 billion in federal matching funds. On February 16, 2011, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) offered an amendment to reallocate $150 million from farm subsidy payments to meet this obligation, but the amendment was ruled out of order.{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Metro-Funding-Derailed-in-House-116307029.html|title=Metro Funding Derailed in House:Budget bill drops safety funding for transit system|work=NBC News4|date=February 16, 2011|publisher=National Broadcasting Company|access-date=March 2, 2011|archive-date=November 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118103200/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Metro-Funding-Derailed-in-House-116307029.html|url-status=live}} The suspension of the federal appropriation also calls into question the matching funds from the individual jurisdictions for capital projects. On March 1, 2010, Republican Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell wrote to Congress urging the continuation of the federal funds.{{cite news|url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/capital-land/2011/03/mcdonnell-congress-preserve-metro-funding|title=McDonnell to Congress: Preserve Metro funding|first=David|last=Sherfinski|work=Washington Examiner|date=March 4, 2011|access-date=April 11, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The continuing resolution for the remainder of 2011 ultimately included the federal matching funds.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/38-billion-in-cuts-in-budget-deal-will-cover-various-domestic-areas/2011/04/11/AFJihQMD_story.html|title=Budget deal: Cuts of $38 billion include accounting gimmicks, target Obama priorities|first=Philip|last=Rucker|date=April 12, 2011|access-date=April 16, 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-date=April 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410232811/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/38-billion-in-cuts-in-budget-deal-will-cover-various-domestic-areas/2011/04/11/AFJihQMD_story.html|url-status=live}}

The 57% funding of WMATA from fares and other revenue compares with New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority which receives 53% of its funding from fares and car tolls.{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/mta/budget/feb2011/Master.pdf |title=MTA 2011 Adopted Budget — February Financial Plan 2011–2014 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=July 19, 2016 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516122658/http://web.mta.info/mta/budget/feb2011/Master.pdf |url-status=live }} The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority receives of 31.8% of its funding from fares.{{cite web |url=http://www.politifact.com/georgia/statements/2012/may/18/brett-bittner/marta-subsidy-claim-derailed-facts/ |title=MARTA subsidy claim derailed by facts |date=May 18, 2012 |website=PolitiFact Georgia |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116160322/https://www.politifact.com/georgia/statements/2012/may/18/brett-bittner/marta-subsidy-claim-derailed-facts/ |url-status=live }}

In an effort to gain revenues, WMATA has started to allow retail ventures in Metrorail stations. WMATA has authorized DVD-rental vending machines and ticket booths for the Old Town Trolley Tours and is seeking additional retail tenants.{{cite web|url=http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4889|title=Metro launches retail at Smithsonian Metrorail station|publisher=WMATA|access-date=April 7, 2011|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819144425/http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4889|url-status=dead}}

{{Update|section|date=December 2022}}

In recent years, WMATA has drawn criticism for a neglect of safety in both its rail and bus systems. Problems include failures within the system designed to prevent train collisions{{cite web|url=http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/FTASafetyRecLtr.pdf|title=Safety Recommendation|publisher=National Transportation Safety Board|date=September 22, 2009|access-date=April 16, 2011|archive-date=December 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227071840/http://wmata.com/about_metro/FTASafetyRecLtr.pdf|url-status=dead}} and escalators failing or breaking apart while in service.{{Cite news |url=http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/traffic/metro_news/4-hurt-in-metro-escalator-accident-110110 |title=4 Hurt in Metro Escalator Accident |last=Houston |first=Karen |date=November 1, 2010 |work=Fox News DC |access-date=April 16, 2011 |archive-date=April 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412044919/http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/traffic/metro_news/4-hurt-in-metro-escalator-accident-110110 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.wmal.com/Article.asp?id=2122258|title=Horrific Metro Escalator Accident – Repair Woes Increasing|publisher=WMAL|access-date=April 16, 2011|archive-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722140649/http://www.wmal.com/Article.asp?id=2122258|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Part-of-Foggy-Bottom-Metro-Escalator-Collapses-Report-116471853.html |title=Part of Foggy Bottom Metro Escalator "Collapses": Report |last=Schriffen |first=John |date=February 18, 2011 |work=NBC News Washington |access-date=April 16, 2011 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705180142/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Part-of-Foggy-Bottom-Metro-Escalator-Collapses-Report-116471853.html |url-status=live }} The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that WMATA invest $1 billion in needed safety improvements. A December 2008 report by the WMATA Inspector General documented that Metro's System Safety and Risk Management Office was bypassed when changes were made to Metrorail's operating procedures, even though that office's review and approval was required as a matter of policy.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/mar/7/metro-safety-official-not-told-system-modification/|title=Metro safety officials not informed about system modifications|work=The Washington Times|first=Jim|last=McElhatton|date=March 7, 2011|access-date=April 16, 2011|archive-date=May 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516010538/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/mar/7/metro-safety-official-not-told-system-modification/|url-status=live}} On June 22, 2009, two Metrorail trains collided between the Takoma and Fort Totten Metro stations, killing nine. In February 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board conducted a public hearing during which witnesses testified about problems with the safety culture at WMATA.{{cite news|url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/16871|title=Metro 'safety culture' under attack at NTSB hearing|work=Washington Examiner|first=Kytja|last=Weir|date=February 24, 2010|access-date=February 27, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092831/http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/article/16871|url-status=live}} The NTSB's final report on the accident commented that "[t]he failure of WMATA engineers and technicians or managers to properly address track circuit anomalies is symptomatic of the larger safety culture issues within the organization."{{Citation |title=Railroad Accident Report: Collision of Two Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Metrorail Trains Near Fort Totten Station, Washington, D.C., June 22, 2009 |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2010/RAR1002.pdf |date=October 27, 2010 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516010531/https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2010/RAR1002.pdf |url-status=live }}

Safety concerns have grown to the point that the region's Congressional delegation introduced the "National Metro Safety Act of 2011," which would establish federal safety standards for heavy rail mass transit systems.{{cite web |url=http://connolly.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=44§iontree=6,44&itemid=457 |title=Washington-Area Delegation Reintroduces National Metro Safety Act of 2011 |date=March 31, 2011 |publisher=U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=April 16, 2011 |archive-date=January 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108015335/http://connolly.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=44§iontree=6,44&itemid=457 |url-status=dead }} In response, WMATA is replacing its track control system and ordered an immediate inspection of all of its escalators. That inspection showed that over 10 percent of the escalators had faulty brakes.{{Cite news |url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/dc/2010/11/ten-percent-metro-escalators-found-have-faulty-brakes |title=Ten percent of Metro escalators found to have faulty brakes |date=November 19, 2010 |work=Washington Examiner |access-date=March 16, 2011 |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730001806/http://washingtonexaminer.com/dc/2010/11/ten-percent-metro-escalators-found-have-faulty-brakes |url-status=dead }}

The service state of elevators and escalators is of public concern. WMATA posts a webpage that is updated daily to notify users of elevator and escalator outages.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/service/elevators-escalators/Elevator-Escalator-Service-Status.cfm |title=Elevator & Escalator Service Status |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712130137/https://wmata.com/service/elevators-escalators/Elevator-Escalator-Service-Status.cfm |url-status=live }} WMATA makes track announcements that contradict industry safety standards,{{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/service/elevators-escalators/safety.cfm |title=WMATA 'Escalator Elevator Safety Tips' |publisher=WMATA |access-date=May 14, 2018 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520015715/https://www.wmata.com/service/elevators-escalators/safety.cfm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.skoozeme.com/skoozeme_skoozeme/escalators.html |title=Metro Risks Passenger Safety by Encouraging Standing on the Side of their Escalators |access-date=May 14, 2018 |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316130750/http://www.skoozeme.com/skoozeme_skoozeme/escalators.html |url-status=live }} encouraging passengers to "stay clear of moving parts", encouraging people to stand on one side, and slowing the operating speed, which has the effect of encouraging walking on the escalators.

Closed-circuit television cameras monitor every Metrobus and every Metrorail station.{{cite web|url=http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/safety_security/bus_rail.cfm|title=WMATA Security|access-date=February 22, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107145253/http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/safety_security/bus_rail.cfm|url-status=dead}}

In 1990, Christine Townsend sued WMATA in the Washington federal district court on the basis of sexual discrimination. She won, with the court noting in the outcome of Townsend v. Washington Metro. Area Transit Auth. that the WMATA explanation had "many unexplained inconsistencies, irregularities, and holes".{{cite web|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/1990924746fsupp1781895|title=TOWNSEND v. WASHINGTON ME {{pipe}} 746 F.Supp. 178 (1990) {{pipe}} supp1781895 {{pipe}} Leagle.com|website=Leagle|access-date=February 22, 2020|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222214451/https://www.leagle.com/decision/1990924746fsupp1781895|url-status=live}}

Former Metro workers claim that WMATA consistently passes over non-black applicants or workers for employment or promotion.{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/mar/26/metro-derailed-by-culture-of-complacence-incompete/ |title=Metro derailed by culture of complacence, incompetence, lack of diversity |last=Rosiak |first=Luke |website=The Washington Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717021324/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/mar/26/metro-derailed-by-culture-of-complacence-incompete/ |url-status=live }}

In May 2015, the WMATA board voted to ban advocacy advertising after the American Freedom Defense Initiative sought to purchase advertisements in five subway stations and on twenty buses depicting Muhammad.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-says-no-to-issue-oriented-ads/2015/05/28/ee182bec-0572-11e5-8bda-c7b4e9a8f7ac_story.html |title=Metro says no to issue-oriented ads |last=Duggan |first=Paul |date=May 28, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 9, 2015 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518031644/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-says-no-to-issue-oriented-ads/2015/05/28/ee182bec-0572-11e5-8bda-c7b4e9a8f7ac_story.html |url-status=live }}

{{see also|Washington Metro#Future expansion}}

There has been speculation about an extension of the Green Line northward to Baltimore's BWI Airport, There was also talk of extending the Green Line either to National Harbor or to White Plains via Waldorf.{{Cite news |title=Plan for Metro to BWI Gaining Momentum; Dulles Rail Extension Spurs Md. to Action |last=Paley |first=Amit R. |date=April 10, 2006 |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=B1|id = {{ProQuest|410013668}}}} An extension from Franconia/Springfield to Fort Belvoir is also a possibility due to the Base Realignment and Closure process which relocated thousands of area defense jobs at Fort Belvoir in 2012. While there has been much discussion about all of these extensions, none are in any official planning stage.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/19/AR2005051901618.html |title=Metro Studies Ft. Belvoir Extension |last=Smith |first=Leef |date=May 20, 2005 |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=B01 |access-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316104434/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/19/AR2005051901618.html |url-status=live }} There have also been plans to extend the Orange Line to Centreville and Bowie.

Regarding Metrobus improvements, former general manager Sarles reported, "Bus service will benefit from new technology that integrates fare box, destination signage and next bus systems to improve our reliability and customer information delivery. And, we will begin work in certain priority bus corridors that will deliver faster travel times for bus customers. Additionally, I look forward to working with the District of Columbia on potential bus rapid transit service improvements, such as curb running and signal preference to make bus service even more attractive, efficient, and an even more powerful antidote to traffic congestion."{{Cite press release |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4820 |title=Remarks by Richard R. Sarles upon his appointment as Metro's General Manager/Chief Executive Officer |date=January 27, 2011 |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717021325/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4820 |url-status=live }}

WMATA reached an agreement in 2013 with the sustainable lighting division at Philips Electronics North America to switch to LEDs at no upfront cost. WMATA and Philips agreed to a ten-year maintenance contract through the $2 million savings the LEDs will provide each year.{{cite web |url=http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/washington-metro-will-install-leds-at-zero-cost |title=Washington Metro Will Install LEDs at Zero Cost |last=Tweed |first=Katherine |access-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126140830/http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/washington-metro-will-install-leds-at-zero-cost |url-status=live }}

WMATA's Integrated Command and Communications Center (MICC) opened in 2023 in the Eisenhower East neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. The building is 14 stories tall, designed to support 1400 employees. The MICC is the system's technology hub, including the data center, cybersecurity operations, bus and rail video teams, communications, and administrative support.{{cite web |title=Metro and Virginia officials celebrate opening of Metro Building at Eisenhower in Alexandria, home of the new Metro Integrated Command and Communications Center |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-and-Virginia-officials-celebrate-opening-of-Metro-Building-at-Eisenhower-in-Alexandria.cfm |website=WMATA |access-date=June 26, 2024 |date=October 27, 2023 |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101001946/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-and-Virginia-officials-celebrate-opening-of-Metro-Building-at-Eisenhower-in-Alexandria.cfm |url-status=live }}

• List of railroads in Washington, D.C.
• DC Circulator
• DC Streetcar

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book |title=The Great Society Subway: A History of the Washington Metro |first=Zachary |last=Schrag |year=2006 |publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|isbn=0-8018-8246-X|location=Baltimore, MD }}
• {{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/board/upload/Compact_Annotated_2009_final.pdf |title=Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Compact |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 28, 2018 |ref={{harvid|WMATA|2009}}}}
• {{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/records/public_docs/upload/Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report-for-the-Fiscal-Year-Ended-6-30-10.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2010 |date=December 21, 2010 |publisher=WMATA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127231104/https://www.wmata.com/about/records/public_docs/upload/Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report-for-the-Fiscal-Year-Ended-6-30-10.pdf |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |ref={{sfnref|WMATA|2010}}}}
• {{cite web |url=https://wmata.com/about/records/public_docs/upload/Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report-for-the-Fiscal-Years-Ended-June-30-2017-and-2016.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 |date=October 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917200308/https://wmata.com/about/records/public_docs/upload/Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report-for-the-Fiscal-Years-Ended-June-30-2017-and-2016.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |publisher=WMATA |ref={{sfnref|WMATA|2017}}}}
• {{cite web |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/records/upload/Annual-Comprehensive-Financial-Report-for-the-Fiscal-Years-Ended-June-30-2022-and-2021.pdf|title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2021 and 2022 |publisher=WMATA |access-date=March 12, 2023}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website|https://www.wmata.com/}}
• [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=%22Washington+Metropolitan+Area+Transit+Authority%22+OR+WMATA&fq=&dblist=638&qt=sort&se=yr&sd=desc&qt=sort_yr_desc Library holdings of books, maps, etc, relating to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)]
• [http://library.gwu.edu/ead/ms2034.xml Guide To The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: Metro History Project Collection, 1930–1984, Special Collections Research Center, Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library, The George Washington University]

{{Authority control}}

{{Washington Metro}}

{{Transit In DC}}

{{Coord|38|53|52.2|N|77|1|9.9|W|display=title}}

Category:United States interstate agencies

Category:Underground rapid transit in the United States

Category:1967 establishments in Washington, D.C.