Cardin Thanks Paul Wiedefeld for his Service at Metro, Says There is More Work Ahead for the Nation’s Transit System

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee released the following statement upon news that Paul Wiedefeld, General Manager and CEO of Metro will retire this summer.

“This has not been an easy six years for Metro and Paul Wiedefeld. When Paul came to Metro from BWI Airport six years ago, the transit system was in a crisis state and needed a steady hand to improve safety and reliability. Paul provided leadership and determination to put the region’s transit system on a better path forward. He made tough calls to prioritize resources and time to repair infrastructure and upgrade stations that were crumbling under foot. He systematically replaced escalators that had long been neglected. I credit Paul for keeping Metro rolling throughout the pandemic so essential workers could make it to their jobs at the local hospitals, grocery stores and other key locations. I thank Paul for his service to the National Capital Region. Despite these achievements, a safety-first culture still has not taken root at Metro. With lingering maintenance and safety issues and the ongoing pandemic presenting urgent challenges to the transit system, there is much more work ahead.”