Transit workers support repair plan

Transit workers on Friday applauded plans by Metro to conduct extensive repairs on the aging system. Acknowledging that repairs “will likely be a great inconvenience to our customers,” ATU Local 689 said that “safety is of critical importance, both to us and the riding public,” adding that the union support the plan “because we believe that it will lead to a stronger safety culture for our system and its riders.” The project, called “SafeTrack,” was announced on Friday and includes a months-long timetable covering repairs throughout the system’s rail lines.  The rehabilitation project will include extended periods of single tracking and some station closings, beginning next month. Local 689 members, leadership, and riders “all want a safe, affordable and reliable transit system,” the union said. “Local 689 is committed to working with WMATA leadership to create that safety culture. We hope that this plan will move us forward in making Metro the best and safest rail system it can be for the people we serve.”   Local 689’s more than 13,000 members include the operators, clerical and maintenance workers of the WMATA. photo: Footage from a security camera at the Federal Center SW Metro station last Thursday captured a fire that happened on the tracks. The fire was caused by an arcing insulator. (WMATA via Washington Post)

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