U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy took action to urge Washington, D.C., leaders to focus on improving the safety and security of the city’s transportation systems. 

In a series of letters, Secretary Duffy urged D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) CEO Randy Clarke to prioritize improvements to passenger security, crime reduction, and roadway safety.

“The President has called for people to return to office, and it is critical we ensure workers’ safety during their daily commute,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “That is why I am taking action to direct those responsible for ensuring safety for passengers and workers in D.C. to make necessary improvements and upgrades. Our Nation’s Capital should be a beacon of safety and cleanliness for all who work, live, and visit. This includes reducing crime and fare evasion on the D.C. metro system and bus system to ensure people using public transit feel safe. Making D.C. safe again starts with restoring people’s faith in our transportation systems, and the Department of Transportation intends to use every resource at its disposal to restore public confidence and ensure a safe experience for the millions who visit and work in our capital.” 

Duffy’s Letters 

Additional information on the letters includes:

• In the letter to Mayor Bowser, Secretary Duffy expressed concern with the District of Columbia’s compliance with various federal safety standards, including the safe and efficient operation of public roadways and the associated right-of-way. The Secretary has requested that the Mayor direct the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director to submit a written report within 30 days that identifies all potential areas of roadway non-compliance, locations of elevated risk impacting safety for the traveling public, and any proposed plans that may need to be reviewed as a result of these concerns. The Secretary emphasized the safety purpose of traffic control devices such as traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings, which is to warn or guide pedestrian and vehicular traffic — and not for other forms of expression. 

• In a separate letter to Amtrak’s CEO Stephen Gardner, Secretary Duffy called on Amtrak to prevent crime and improve its management of Washington’s Union Station. The Department and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have also directed Amtrak to submit an updated Crime Prevention Plan within 30 days, including details about coordination with other law enforcement agencies and tracking of security expenditures. This is critical in light of a recent murder and violent assault, both within the past month. As FRA’s agent for station management, the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation oversees day-to-day operations, and Amtrak is expected to cooperate to enhance retail performance and protect the traveling public, allowing all stakeholders to focus on advancing state-of-good-repair projects.

• In the letter to WMATA CEO Randy Clarke, Secretary Duffy highlighted the need to address fare evasion and reduce crime on the Washington Metro system to protect the safety and security of riders and workers. The letter directs the agency to provide information about practices, expenditures, and initiatives related to safety and security to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Secretary Duffy also asked CEO Clarke to provide specific information on safety and security programs and strategies and how they are funded. Federal law allows transit recipients to use both formula funds and capital grants for projects to combat crime and improve safety and security. 

DOT’s Focus on Safety, Security

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all those who travel in and through Washington, D.C. 

By directing local leaders to address critical safety concerns, uphold federal standards, and prioritize effective crime prevention measures, USDOT is reinforcing its oversight role in safeguarding public transportation systems. These actions underscore the President’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure, promote efficient mobility, and protect passengers, workers, and visitors in the Nation’s Capital, according to the Department. 

Moving forward, the USDOT said it will continue to work closely with its partners to implement necessary improvements, ensuring a safe and reliable transportation network for all.