Maryland
Maryland and Virginia Senators Urge WMATA Acting GM to Keep Prioritizing Safety Culture at Metro | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland
June 15, 2022
“This work can not watch for Mr. Clarke to hitch Metro later this summer season.”
As Metro proclaims the return to service of some 7000-Collection automobiles, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (Each D-Md.) and Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Each D-Va.) are calling on Metro Interim Basic Supervisor Andy Off to make use of his remaining time on the helm of the area’s public transit company to “productively to lay the groundwork for a lasting course correction that reaches deep inside Metro that values guidelines, procedures, transparency, and accountability as a matter of routine.” With incoming Metro GM Randy Clarke not starting his tenure till late July, the senators acknowledged progress in direction of restoring service and addressing lapses in operator certifications, however pressed Off to go additional to start the mandatory work to “set up a new security tradition” and preserve communications with riders as proactive as attainable.
The complete letter follows and could be discovered right here.
Pricey Mr. Off:
Primarily based in your a few years of expertise at WMATA, you’re little doubt conscious of how vocal we now have been as advocates and champions for Metro and the necessary position it performs within the lives of Marylanders, Virginians, in addition to District residents and guests to the Nationwide Capital Area. So we’re inspired by the announcement at present that among the fleet of 7000 sequence automobiles will quickly return to income service and that you’re persevering with to work diligently to deal with lapses in practice operator certifications. This progress is welcome information, and we respect your efforts on these points throughout this time of transition for the Authority.
On the identical time, we stay involved concerning the integration and prioritization of security all through your company. Throughout a time when WMATA ought to have been ready to accommodate elevated ridership safely and reliably as restoration from the pandemic continues, riders as an alternative suffered service reductions as a result of safety-related points. The most recent indicators of the Authority’s failure to uphold security protocols on a proactive, sustained foundation embrace the poor adherence to energy restoration procedures, indicating that Metro nonetheless has not utterly established a tradition of compliance with guidelines and procedures meant to make sure security of riders and workers. WMATA wants to interrupt its sample of taking corrective motion solely after a security incident happens or after oversight authorities notify you of pressing points. This sample will proceed so long as WMATA tolerates noncompliance with guidelines and procedures, together with its personal guidelines and procedures. In mild of latest occasions, it’s indeniable that earlier efforts to determine a brand new security tradition have to date confirmed inadequate. We’re hopeful that at present’s announcement is an indication that you simply perceive how your time as interim common supervisor can be utilized productively to put the groundwork for a long-lasting course correction that reaches deep inside Metro that values guidelines, procedures, transparency, and accountability as a matter of routine. This work can not watch for Mr. Clarke to hitch Metro later this summer season.
Transit riders within the Nationwide Capital Area deserve higher than what they’ve obtained from Metro for months. They deserve a well-functioning and dependable transit system backed by an organization-wide adherence to security guidelines and procedures. Security can’t be an afterthought.
Your tenure as interim Basic Supervisor and CEO comes at a crucial time for WMATA. As ridership recovers from the drop attributable to COVID-19, the Authority should work to satisfy this rising demand seamlessly. We stay dedicated companions to WMATA in assembly this problem. We sit up for listening to from you on the extra, crucial work wanted to raised embed security into the Authority’s organizational tradition.
Thanks to your consideration to this matter.
Sincerely,
Earlier Article
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Sunshine for your Labor Day in Maryland
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Maryland
Michigan State Has Several Things to Fix Before Heading to Maryland
Michigan State’s football team emerged with a 16-10 win against Florida Atlantic, but it was far from a convincing victory. The Spartans struggled throughout the game, exhibiting a range of issues that need immediate attention if they hope to find more consistent success moving forward.
With less than a week to prepare for its next opponent, Michigan State has a critical opportunity to address these shortcomings and refine its game plan.
The win over FAU exposed several areas of concern for Michigan State, particularly on offense. The Spartans were plagued by poor execution and missed opportunities, with several drives stalling due to penalties and miscues. The offensive line, in particular, struggled to establish a rhythm, which led to limited success in both the running and passing games.
Quarterback play from Aidan Chiles was inconsistent, with errant throws and a lack of cohesion with the receiving corps contributing to the team’s inability to sustain drives and put the game away early.
Defensively, Michigan State managed to hold FAU to just 10 points, but there were still some worrying signs. Despite the Spartans having multiple interceptions and a safety, they gave up several big plays, revealing potential vulnerabilities in the secondary and raising concerns about the unit’s ability to maintain discipline and focus throughout the game. Missed tackles and lapses in coverage could prove costly against more formidable opponents, making it imperative for the coaching staff to address these issues in the coming week.
Special teams were another area where Michigan State faltered. On multiple occasions, the Spartans gave up more punt return yards than they should have because of missed tackles.
With less than a week before its next game, Michigan State has a valuable window to regroup and make the necessary adjustments. The coaching staff will need to focus on tightening up execution across all phases of the game — offense, defense and special teams. This includes refining the game plan, improving communication and instilling a greater sense of urgency and discipline among the players.
The Spartans cannot afford to let the issues that plagued them against FAU carry over into their matchup against Maryland. If they hope to be competitive as the season progresses, the team must use this time to correct course and demonstrate growth in all facets of its game.
Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Maryland
Maryland Weather: Be on Alert for Isolated Severe Thunderstorms
BALTIMORE – Scattered showers will give way to mostly cloudy skies Sunday, with a chance for isolated severe storms.
Expect overnight lows in the 70s after a warm air mass moved through. A cold front will bring another chance for an isolated strong storms on Sunday. The day won’t be a washout, there is the possibility of active weather in the afternoon and evening.
The front will bring bright sunny skies for Monday with low humidity. Perfect weather for the afternoon barbecue or last summer activity. Kids getting back to school this week should expect refreshing temperatures… possibly even a little chilly with overnight lows in the 50s.
High pressure will control our weather for the middle of the week. Expect sunny skies and low humidity through Friday. Overnight lows Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the mid 50s, with afternoon highs in the upper 70s. The chance of showers returns late Friday.
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