The challenges inherent in reforming operations and governance of the Metro system were summed up neatly during a Sept. 6 forum featuring the elected leaders of Northern Virginia’s five largest jurisdictions.
Asked for a show of hands on whether the number of board members of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority needed to be reduced, the group split – 2.5 to 2.5.
“Let me clarify . . .” said Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette (D), whose half-a-hand up caused the unlikely 50/50 split.
The moment was a small but telling one during the forum, sponsored by a group of business organizations. Everyone has thoughts about what ails the beleaguered transit agency, but consensus on how to fix it remains elusive.
