WASHINGTON — Facing renewed pressure over Metro safety oversight, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a deal to keep working on a new Metro Safety Commission.
The region faces the threat of losing millions of dollars in federal transit funding if the independent oversight is not in place.
The Federal Transit Administration has taken on the role temporarily after a series of Metro problems were uncovered following the deadly smoke incident near L’Enfant Plaza a year ago.
The agreement announced Wednesday does not indicate any new significant progress, but it does promise that D.C. will look at Metro Safety Commission legislation by the end of the year. Maryland and Virginia’s general assemblies will take it up next winter.
The memorandum of understanding signed Tuesday says the states and D.C. will work together to figure out what needs to be done to get the commission established.
Leaders first promised it years ago, then promised last year it would be done this year. Now it won’t be set up until at least next year.
