As the recipient of federal, state, regional and local funding, Metro is subject to numerous oversight activities. Beyond those listed below, NVTC also exercises oversight authority by certifying the receipt of certain documents and reports from Metro as required in Virginia Code 33.2-3402. 

Federal 

The federal government, primarily through the work of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), conducts both routine and special oversight activities of transit agencies across the United States. Metro’s federal requirements include a Transit Asset Management Plan, Agency Safety Plan, reporting to the National Transit Database, participating with the National Transportation Safety Board when required and collaborating with FTA for triennial and special reviews, among others. 

State 

Through the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Commonwealth of Virginia conducts oversight activities related to its share of state match to federal Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) funding. DRPT is required to oversee Metro’s compliance with Virginia’s operating assistance growth cap, maintaining a six-year capital improvement plan, adopting and maintaining a strategic plan and several board governance and reporting requirements. 

Financial 

Metro is subject to financial oversight from a variety of agencies under both legislation and administrative agreements with funding partners. Each year, Metro’s Office of Inspector General conducts a comprehensive financial audit. As a recipient of federal funding, Metro also undergoes a single audit each year. Under a Capital Funding Agreement, Metro provides a detailed quarterly and annual report on the use of its capital funding sources. 

Washington Metrorail Safety Commission 

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) is an independent agency that oversees and enforces safety practices on WMATA’s Metrorail system. The WMSC is comprised of six Commissioners and three alternates with expertise in transportation safety who represent Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland.  The WMSC reviews Metrorail’s safety plans, adopts investigation reports, considers Metrorail’s progress on Corrective Action Plans and monitors and reviews Metrorail’s efforts to fix issues identified in investigations, audits or other reviews.   

History of NVTC Actions regarding the WMSC 

• • Resolution of support for the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission
  • Resolution of support for WMATA safety oversight and compliance