WASHINGTON — Metro’s general manager is trying reassure riders after its board member suggested earlier this week that parts of the transit system could close for months to work on safety and reliability.
In a letter to Metro customers posted Thursday, General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said he is keeping all options open on how to proceed with Metro’s long-term maintenance plan.
“I am working on a long-range maintenance plan for the rail system to ensure safe and reliable service. The plan is in development now, and I expect to have it ready in 4-6 weeks,” Wiedefeld said in the letter.
At a news conference Wednesday, D.C. Councilman and Metro Board Chairman Jack Evans says it’s possible that some lines could shut down for months.
“In order to do repairs that are necessary, it may come to a point where we have to close the entire Blue Line for six months,” Evans said during the news conference. “There are going to be hard decisions that have to be made in order to get this fixed.”
Wiedefeld says no final decisions have been made about future shutdowns or service changes. He adds that riders will receive ample notice about disruptions in Metro’s service.
“You have my commitment that I will keep you informed once the plan is ready. In the meantime, I will advise you if there are any steps that must be taken on a priority basis to keep the rail system running safely and reliably,” he adds.
Virginia congressman Gerry Connolly said in a statement, “A long-term shutdown of any line is almost unimaginable and would have serious and crippling repercussions. Any discussion of an extended shutdown must not be made lightly, and I hope the Metro leadership will hear from riders and all stakeholders before rushing to any decision.”
