WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement on the two year anniversary of the 2009 Washington Metro crash that killed nine people when two trains collided at the Fort Totten Metro station:

“Two years ago today, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority experienced the most tragic Metrorail accident the Greater Washington region has ever seen. On this somber day of remembrance, my deepest sympathies remain with their families and friends whose lives will forever be affected having lost someone dear to them in this tragedy.

“We must honor the memory of those who perished by upholding our responsibility to improve the safety of our nation’s transit systems. In Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, tens of thousands of commuters depend on Metrorail for reliable and above all safe transportation, but unaddressed safety issues and aging infrastructure threatens passenger safety.  The federal government has a particular responsibility to help fund Metro since it provides the federal government and its employees vital transportation service in our nation’s capital. 

“I am hopeful that with the opportunities we have to establish better and more consistent funding for Metro and the establishment of firm, accountable and transparent leadership at WMATA, we will restore the public standing and reputation of ‘America’s Subway System’ as one of the safest transit system in the country.  Surely there is no more fitting way to remember those who tragically lost their lives two years ago today.”    

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