Virginia Governor Orders ‘Top-to-Bottom' Review of Metro

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe says he has asked former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to conduct a "top-to-bottom" review of the Washington region's struggling subway system.

The governor said Thursday on WTOP-FM that he needs an independent assessment of Metro's problems and their costs before substantive improvements can be made.

McAuliffe's administration says the assessment will cost $500,000 to $1 million and be covered by state funds set aside for transportation-related studies.

McAuliffe said he would like the District of Columbia and Maryland to participate, but Virginia is going it alone at this point.

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said McAuliffe did not call him to tell him about the review.

The study will be complete by the end of the year.

Metro's service and safety problems have been a continued source of frustration. Ridership was down 6 percent in the previous fiscal year amid safety and reliability concerns.

Also on Thursday, Metro's board unanimously approved a plan to increase fares and cut service starting this summer

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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