Senators Dodd, Menendez, Mikulski, and I introduced The Public Transportation Safety Program Act that will require the Transportation Secretary to establish and implement a comprehensive Public Transportation Safety program.

We do believe, though, there has to be modernization. There has to be safety reform, and there has to be accountability. By accountability, we mean real measurements.

I am trying to get to the point. We had the accidents. We have had the FTA audit. We are making corrections.

Well, this takes me to the Federal responsibility that while we might be self-congratulatory that we are finally providing a guaranteed revenue stream of $150 million, the fact is, is that helps maintain the status quo in good operating…

We have to talk about what is the way forward, and do we have the will and the methods to accomplishment?

So now it is our job not to break our promise.

We are not in lieu of what either Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia, the Virginia localities would contribute.

We continue to support the Federal share.

Well, I think that is an interesting insight.

the March 2010 audit of Metro's safety program by the Federal Transit Administration, requested by Senator Mikulski.

It hasn't improved because the employees who would utilize that type of system don't know that it even exists.

I applaud and support the administration's request of $150 million in fiscal year 2011 for Metro.

Safe and reliable operation of the Metro System is a top priority for me and the Greater Washington Area delegation.

Well, it seems to be that there needs to be a mechanism of communication between labor and management.

This demonstrates the President's commitment to smart growth, his recognition that it is in the Federal Government's interest to alleviate and not contribute to terrible traffic congestion in the Greater Washington Area.

He wanted to assure you in the strongest possible way that Maryland will meet its commitment.

In other words, are you moving the backlog?

Sir, would you identify and would you agree that those are the top 10 things that need to be changed?

We need to know then how the board then focuses on that.

Thank you, Chairwoman Murray, as well as you, Senator Mikulski, on your insight concerning the Federal Transit Administration's audit.

But I think this is a very good guidance.

The FTA audit found that Metro didn't have a list of the top 10 safety and hazard concerns.

Because they are the first to experience any breakdowns for not only such a horrific thing as death, but also injury, even if it is temporary injury, you know?

Not enough organization.

We hear about out-of-service escalators and elevators. That is a top favorite, as well as closed entrances and exits and train delays.