Hoyer Statement on NTSB's Urgent Recommendations in Response to the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Incident

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued urgent recommendations regarding ventilation procedures as a result of the January 12, 2015, L'Enfant Plaza Metro station incident:

"I urge the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to immediately implement the three new urgent safety recommendations issued today by NTSB," stated Congressman Hoyer. "With hundreds of thousands of residents, commuters, and visitors, including those from Maryland's Fifth District, traveling on the Metro system every day, it is critical that we take every step possible to prevent another tragic accident. I also urge the Federal Transit Administration and the American Public Transit Administration to work together on implementing other NTSB recommendations nationwide so we can keep Americans safe on other transit systems."

The three recommendations made by NTSB to WMATA include:

• Ensuring the tunnel ventilation systems are working properly;
• Developing written procedures for how to operate the ventilation system during an emergency situation; and
• Conducting regular training exercises for Metro employees and emergency responders.

NTSB also recommended that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the American Public Transit Administration (APTA) commence an audit of transit systems with similar ventilation systems. Additionally, it recommended that APTA alert their members of issues with the ventilation system and encourage them to develop procedures for effectively using the ventilation system during an emergency situation.