U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on March 6 took action to urge Washington, D.C., leaders to improve the safety and security of the city’s transportation systems. In a series of letters, including to Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) CEO Randy Clarke, Duffy emphasized the importance of prioritizing improvements to passenger security, crime reduction, and roadway safety as workers return to the office.
“The President has called for people to return to office, and it is critical we ensure workers’ safety during their daily commute,” said Duffy. “That is why I am taking action to direct those responsible for ensuring safety for passengers and workers in D.C. to make necessary improvements and upgrades. Our Nation’s Capital should be a beacon of safety and cleanliness for all who work, live, and visit. This includes reducing crime and fare evasion on the D.C. metro system and bus system to ensure people using public transit feel safe. Making D.C. safe again starts with restoring people’s faith in our transportation systems, and the Department of Transportation intends to use every resource at its disposal to restore public confidence and ensure a safe experience for the millions who visit and work in our capital.”
In a letter to Gardner (download below), Duffy called on Amtrak to prevent crime and improve its management of Washington’s Union Station. The Department and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have also directed Amtrak to submit an updated Crime Prevention Plan within 30 days, including details about coordination with other law enforcement agencies and tracking of security expenditures. This, Duffy says, “is critical in light of a recent murder and violent assault, both within the past month. As FRA’s agent for station management, the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation oversees day-to-day operations, and Amtrak is expected to cooperate to enhance retail performance and protect the traveling public, allowing all stakeholders to focus on advancing state-of-good-repair projects.”
In the letter to Clarke (download below), Duffy highlighted the need to address fare evasion and reduce crime on the WMATA system to protect the safety and security of riders and workers. The letter directs the agency to provide information about practices, expenditures, and initiatives related to safety and security to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Duffy also asked Clarke to provide specific information on safety and security programs and strategies and how they are funded. Federal law allows transit recipients to use both formula funds and capital grants for projects to combat crime and improve safety and security.
