WMATA, Council Partnering to Develop Unified Vision for Transit

Officials representing the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) board of directors and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) board of directors say they will convene the two bodies to launch a new joint initiative to develop a unified vision for transit service in the region.

The meeting will be held in May and will continue months-long discussions about how to efficiently provide, fund, and govern public transit, which is central to the region’s transportation, economic, and sustainability goals.

The planned partnership builds on recent coordination related to WMATA's FY 2025 financial challenges. It also provides an opportunity for the region to act with urgency to fully address complex, long-term transit needs.

The WMATA, COG Collective Transportation Effort

Leaders from both boards agree this collective effort is needed to unlock the full potential of the region’s transit network, which is made up of more than a dozen rail and bus providers — including WMATA.

Officials note that these providers offer varying service levels, different technologies, and fare policies, as well as an array of funding and governing models that do not always work together for the benefit of its residents and visitors.

“This joint initiative is an important step towards a collaborative approach to regional problem solving,” said WMATA CEO/GM Randy Clarke. “Our leaders have already made good-faith efforts to address some of Metro’s ongoing financial challenges. I am confident this important work will allow us to look at the region holistically and move towards solutions that benefit us all.”

WMATA Board Chair Smedberg accepted COG Board Chair Allen’s invitation to create this joint initiative in response to a letter that was sent by Allen on April 1.

During a short presentation during the COG board meeting, both COG and WMATA staff pledged to advance this effort by collaborating with regional leaders, who will be announced in the coming weeks along with additional details.