Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – It’s been almost a year since Paul Wiedefeld took over as Metro’s general manager. In that time, he’s made many difficult decisions, but he wishes he made one of them them earlier.
“November 30th, when I started, if I knew then what I know now, I would have started Safe Track November 30th,” Wiedefeld told reporters Thursday.
He said it’s unacceptable to him that trains were running over tracks that were being held in place by deteriorating rail ties.
When asked about the most difficult decision he’s made in the past year, Wiedefeld cited job cuts. He has already eliminated 500 positions and wants to get rid of 500 more in the next fiscal year to balance the budget.
“I know that impacts obviously individuals’ lives and their livelihood and their families,” he said.
Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, which represents many Metro workers, filled the WMATA board room to voice their opposition to Wiedefeld’s proposed cuts. Many believe he is balancing the budget on the backs of the workers who are struggling to make ends meet.
The union’s president, Jackie Jeter, said she would give Wiedefeld’s performance this year a grade of C because of those proposed cuts.
Wiedefeld wouldn’t rate his own performance but said he is doing the best he can for the customers, the transit system and the region.
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