Appointed by Washington Suburban Transit Commission: Charles C. Deegan; Gordon J. Linton (alternate); Marcell Solomon (alternate).
Appointed by Northern Virginia Transportation Commission: Christopher Zimmerman; William D. Euille (alternate); Catherine Hudgins (alternate).
Appointed by District of Columbia City Council: James Graham; David A. Catania (alternate); Calvin T. Nophlin (alternate).
Richard A. White, General Manager
600 Fifth St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 962-1234
(202) 637-7000 (bus & rail information)
(202) 637-1328 (consumer assistance)
tty: (202) 638-3780
web: www.wmata.com/
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority was created by interstate compact of the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia with the consent of Congress. Maryland ratified the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact in 1965 (Chapter 869, Acts of 1965). The Authority was formed to plan, finance, develop, and operate a balanced regional transportation system for the national capital area.
Metro. The metrorail system, known as Metro (or the Washington Metro), opened in 1976 with a single line less than five miles long. In December 1993, a new four-station segment opened to Greenbelt, Maryland. The Blue Line was extended to Franconia-Springfield, Virginia, in June 1997, and the Red Line to Glenmont, Maryland, in July 1998. Now, Metro is a 103-mile rail system of five lines (83 stations), linking Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. By 2005, the system will increase to 106.03 miles with 86 stations.
Metrobus. Congress, the General Assemblies of Maryland and Virginia, and the City Council of the District of Columbia have authorized the Authority to acquire and operate all mass transit bus facilities in the Washington, DC, region. In 1973, Metro acquired four area bus systems. Metrobus now runs 344 routes on 164 lines.
Metro Access. Metro Access provides transportation services to persons with disabilities. The Authority also maintains a regular police force to protect patrons, personnel, and property.
The Authority is governed by a six-member Board of Directors (and six alternate directors). Each Compact signatory appoints two members. Board members and alternates serve terms coterminous with their service as members of their appointing bodies (Code Transportation Article, secs. 10-202 through 10-204).
© Copyright July 09, 2004 Maryland State Archives