Metro CEO to discuss future of the system at March 7 luncheon

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager and CEO Paul Wiedefeld will discuss the future of the transit system at a National Press Club Luncheon on Monday, March 7.

Metro is entering its most challenging period since it opened 40 years ago. It’s facing declining ridership combined with rising expenses and a fractured leadership structure among the four jurisdictions that govern the system. Serious safety lapses over the years have caused deaths while everlasting repairs and reduced service have caused riders to choose other transportation options.

Wiedefeld took over as Metro's top official in November after serving as CEO of the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Prior to leading BWI, Wiedefeld’s career included service as Administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration, where he managed day-to-day operations of the nation’s 13th largest transit system, including commuter rail (MARC), subway, light rail, buses, and paratransit services.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. with remarks beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session ending at 2:00 p.m. Tickets cost $24 for Press Club members (NPC members may purchase two tickets at this rate) and $38 for all other non-member tickets. Tickets may be purchased online. For questions, please email [email protected] or call (202) 662-7501. Tickets must be paid for at the time of purchase.

NPC members who wish to attend the pre-luncheon reception must RSVP separately to [email protected] 48 hours before the event. Space may be limited. You must have a paid reservation to the luncheon to attend the VIP reception. To submit a question in advance, put METRO in the subject line at email to [email protected] before 10:00 a.m. on the day of the luncheon.

Upcoming luncheons:

March 14: Ken Burns and Henry Louis Gates Jr.