Washington, D.C. - United States Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) issued the following statement today at the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board Meeting.
“I regret that I am unable to address the Transportation Planning Board in person to offer my support to efforts underway to improve the MetroAccess program.
“Numerous constituents have contacted my office since January with serious MetroAccess service issues after the transition to MV Transportation. In recent weeks, constituents have become more hopeful that WMATA is committed to providing safe, respectful and timely service.
“I want to commend WMATA’s efforts to take a hard look at the problems with MetroAccess and for creating the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee of which Mayor Porter is a member. The preliminary recommendations that you will be hearing about today are a good start to help alleviate some of the problems which still exist and I encourage this region to seriously consider these proposed improvements.
“I remain deeply concerned that MetroAccess is not yet operating as well as it should and am committed to my constituents who rely on MetroAccess to get to work, to get to the doctor and to fully participate in society.
“I strongly believe that we are all part of the solution, and that only through continued monitoring by all of us will the problems be truly addressed.
“WMATA has recognized the problems with MetroAccess service, and also recognized that MetroAccess users must be involved in finding solutions. I understand that the Metro Ad Hoc Committee has had considerable input and participation by MetroAccess customers. I applaud those efforts and hope that WMATA will continue an on-going dialogue with these customers.
“Again, I thank you for your efforts to improve critical MetroAccess services which provide such vital benefits to one of the region’s most vulnerable populations.”