Photo by Rolenz.

Though we won’t receive a full report from the National Transportation Safety Board—which will include recommendations for additional safety measures—until June, many lawmakers want Metro to make changes now. And keep the public informed about them.

Following last month’s fatal smoke incident at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station, Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) has sent an open letter to WMATA interim general manager Jack Requa calling on Metro to keep the general public regularly updated and informed on specific actions taken to improve safety.

“The public has a right to know exactly what progress has been made, and what plans and new protocols are in the works. Riders should not have to rely on news reports. They deserve the facts,” Mikulski write. “I request that Metro create a separate webpage to keep the public updated on its progress completing this list. I also request Metro share any other improvements and preventive actions it is taking to increase safety.”

Though Metro has already implemented certain new safety measures as a result of last month’s incidents’, Mikulski says that Metro should “create a separate webpage to keep the public updated on its progress completing this list.”

Earlier today, a brake problem on the Red Line caused a light smoke incident, which caused a train to offload and be taken out of service.

You can read Mikulski’s full letter below:

February 6, 2015

Mr. Jack Requa
Interim General Manager & Chief Executive Officer
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
600 5th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001

Dear Mr. Requa:

I am writing to request that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) keep the public regularly updated on all the safety improvements it has made since the Yellow Line Smoke Incident on January 12, 2015.

I appreciate your releasing the check list of ten immediate safety improvements after meeting with the National Capital Region Congressional Delegation. I request that Metro create a separate webpage to keep the public updated on its progress completing this list. The link to the check list should be easy to find on your home page. The safety items should be explained in plain English, and the status of their completion updated regularly. I also request Metro share any other improvements and preventive actions it is taking to increase safety.

The public has a right to know exactly what progress has been made, and what plans and new protocols are in the works. Riders should not have to rely on news reports. They deserve the facts.

On behalf of the entire National Capital Region Congressional Delegation and our constituents that ride Metro, I would appreciate your prompt attention to my requests.

Sincerely,

Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator