Metro RAC Board Rules Available
On Friday we mentioned that Metro was starting a Riders’ Advisory Council made up of local patrons of WMATA (Metrobus, Metrorail, etc). They have now published the by-laws revision for public comment. Ideally, the board would be seated this November or so, made up of six members for DC, six from VA and six from MD. There would be 2 members from each jurisdiction that would be metrorail passengers, two more that are bus-riders and two more than use para-transit. More on this at metro’s site. They’re seeking comments on the draft by-laws through August 16th.
While I fully applaud the idea of a RAC, I’m wondering what it has the powers to do? Only submit advice WMATA’s board? No where have I read that WMATA even has to consider RAC’s suggestions in its own decisions.
And are the RAC jobs full or part-time? Are they all-volunteer or compensated? Would they get the same transit benefit of the WMATA Board – free & unlimited Smartcards – even if they never use Metro, like the WMATA Board?
I think there wouldn’t be a need for a RAC if the WMATA Board actually rode Metro. Remember back last year when the Post asked for the Board member Smartcard use reports & it turned out that the WMATA Board didn’t use Metro? Maybe they all drive BMW’s instead.
I think Metro-using Metrobloggers should apply to the RAC and report back… hooray for publically holding their feet to the fire.
Those are great questions, Wayan. I would recommend submitting a comment to Metro about it. And I believe sincerely we should apply.
Here’s the Post’s article on WMATA Board ridership – or at least the Post’s attempt to verify it