Union Critical of WMATA Plan to Ignore State of Good Repair and Safety Issues By Moving Forward with Automation

The Union is disappointed that WMATA will press ahead with plans to further automate the rail system without first ensuring the system is wholly at a state of good repair (SGR). By moving forward, WMATA is bypassing a crucial step necessary to the safety of the riding public and workers. According to WMATA’s “State of Good Repair Needs Outlook” effective July 2025, the Metrorail system has more than $15 billion worth of backlogged and projected repairs. Closing this gap, as well as reducing the frequent (but not always publicly disclosed) station overruns, must come first before any further automation.

The Union supports progress in its many forms; however, it is important that all necessary safety steps be taken first. Although Metrorail is automated, the human element is essential for maintaining a safe system. Had it not been for our dedicated transit professionals acting bravely in the face of danger, WMATA’s historic tragedies could have been far worse. We should not ignore that history, but instead use it to inform future actions and ensure WMATA will continue to operate safely, with human operators at the forefront and in the cab.

ATU Local 689 remains committed to partnering with WMATA through the Joint Labor Management Safety Committee (JLMSC), and with oversight from the WMATA board and the WMSC to plan for the future. First, though, let’s solve today’s problems.