Stephen Repetski's MyC-SPAN

The heads of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Federal Transit Administration were among the witnesses at a hearing on safety and reliability issues that have beleaguered the operator of Washington, D.C.'s Metrorail system. They were asked about recent changes that have been made to Metro policies and procedures, and in particular the system’s plan to accelerate maintenance and upgrade projects over a year period ending in summer of 2017. Members of Congress from the Washington, D.C., area, Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), and John Delaney (D-MD), also testified.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority leaders and federal transportation safety officials testified at a hearing on safety concerns with the D.C. Metrorail system, and the recent decision to close the entire subway system for 24 hours to conduct emergency safety checks. Paul Wiedefeld, the chair of D.C. Metrorail, acknowledged difficulties ahead in dealing with a lax safety culture and budgetary problems, and told committee members that the system needs an additional $300 million from Congress.

Paul Wiedefeld talked the future of Washington, D.C.'s, transit system. Among his remarks, he said the transit system is worse off than expected, and outlined his plan to improve service. He described his “nuts and bolts” approach that focuses on reliability, safety, and transparency.

Donald Trump, a candidate for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, held a news conference to comment on the results of that day’s Republican caucuses in Kansas, Kentucky, and Maine and the primary in Louisiana. He spoke at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he was campaigning ahead of the state’s March 15, 2016, primary election.