WASHINGTON – The Trump Administration is urging D.C. leaders to concentrate on security and safety with town’s transportation programs, saying adjustments are essential to “restore greatness to our nation’s capital.”
On Thursday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy despatched letters to D.C. officers, together with Mayor Muriel Bowser, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner and WMATA CEO Randy Clarke saying the District’s leaders have to concentrate on decreasing crime, making roads safer and enhancing passenger safety on public transportation.
“The president has known as for individuals to return to workplace and it’s vital we guarantee staff’ security throughout their each day commute,” Duffy’s stated.
To WMATA
Within the letter to Clarke, the transportation secretary stated he desires WMATA to cut back fare evasion, decrease crime on metro buses and trains, to make sure individuals utilizing public transit really feel secure.
READ MORE: Teenagers rob man of Canada Goose jacket on Metro practice
There have been some violent incidents on the Metro lately. Final month, a disturbing video confirmed teenagers robbing a person of his coat on a practice. Metro Transit Police have arrested the suspects however the incident has prompted concern amongst some Metro riders, who had been shocked to see the brazen theft.
To Bowser
Writing to Mayor Bowser, Duffy expressed issues about street security, wanting to verify site visitors indicators, alerts and pavement markings are used to warn or information pedestrians and autos — not for different types of expression.
This week, Bowser introduced that the daring yellow “Black Lives Matter Plaza” mural close to the White Home will likely be modified, a transfer some imagine is an try and appease the Trump administration amid the president’s ongoing threats to “take over” D.C.
READ MORE: Black Lives Matter Plaza to be redesigned as a part of new DC mural mission
Bowser’s announcement additionally got here after Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) launched H.R. 1774, a invoice that seeks to take away the “Black Lives Matter” phrase from the plaza. If handed, the invoice would withhold federal funding from D.C. until the mayor removes it and redesignates the realm as “Liberty Plaza.”
To Amtrak
In a separate letter to Amtrak’s CEO Stephen Gardner, Duffy known as on Amtrak to forestall crime and enhance its administration of Union Station.
About three weeks in the past, Police Chief Pamela Smith informed FOX 5 {that a} deadly taking pictures occurred within the “Union Station parking storage, at the back of Union Station” through the busy night commute.
Responses
WMATA responded to the letter, thanking Duffy and including that the overall supervisor is trying ahead to working with its federal accomplice to make Metro safer. The overall supervisor admits there may be nonetheless work to do.
FOX 5 requested the mayor’s workplace for a response to Duffy’s letter. A spokesperson stated Bowser doesn’t have a remark right now.
We’re awaiting a response from Amtrak.
READ ALL OF THE LETTER FROM SECRETARY DUFFY BELOW
