FTA to Withhold Transit Funding from DC, Maryland and Virginia Until a New State Safety Oversight Program is Certified for WMATA Metrorail

Today, FTA notified the transit systems in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia that, effective immediately, it will withhold five percent of Fiscal Year 2017 transit formula funds until a new State Safety Oversight Program (SSOP) is certified for the rail operations of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The funds will be withheld until the jurisdictions pass identical legislation and meet related requirements in order for FTA to certify a new SSOP for WMATA Metrorail.

In accordance with federal law, on February 8, 2016, FTA informed the Governors and the Mayor that failure to obtain a certified SSOP for the WMATA Metrorail system by February 9, 2017 may result in the withholding of federal transit funds. These funds can be restored once the jurisdictions establish a federally compliant, FTA-certified SSOP.

Links:

Press release: FTA to Withhold Transit Funding from DC, Maryland and Virginia Until a New State Safety Oversight Program is Certified for WMATA Metrorail

Letter from FTA to Designated Recipients in DC, MD, VA on Fund Withholding