Transit Systems

▸ Agencies

Federal Transit Administration (Transportation Dept.), 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., #E57-310 20590; (202) 366-4040. Fax, (202) 366-9854. Vacant, Administrator; Matthew Welbes, Deputy Administrator (Acting). Information and Press, (202) 366-4043.

Web, http://www.fta.dot.gov

Responsible for developing improved mass transportation facilities, equipment, techniques, and methods; assists state and local governments in financing mass transportation systems.

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Federal Transit Administration (Transportation Dept.), Budget and Policy, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., #E52-323 20590; (202) 366-4050. Fax, (202) 366-7989. Robert Tuccillo, Associate Administrator. Press, (202) 366-4043.

Web, http://www.fta.dot.gov

Develops budgets, programs, legislative proposals, and policies for the federal transit program; evaluates program proposals and their potential impact on local communities; coordinates private sector initiatives of the agency.

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Federal Transit Administration (Transportation Dept.), Program Management, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., 4th Floor 20590; (202) 366-4020. Fax, (202) 366-7951. Susan E. Schruth, Associate Administrator.

Web, http://www.fta.dot.gov/office/program

Administers capital planning and operating assistance grants and loan activities; monitors transit projects in such areas as environmental impact, special provisions for the elderly and people with disabilities, efficiency, and investment.

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Federal Transit Administration (Transportation Dept.), Research, Demonstration, and Innovation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., #E43-431 20590; (202) 366-4052. Fax, (202) 366-3765. Vincent Valdes, Associate Administrator.

Web, http://www.fta.dot.gov/office/research

Provides industry and state and local governments with contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants for testing, developing, and demonstrating methods of improved mass transportation service and technology.

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Maryland Transit Administration, 6 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21202; (410) 767-3943. Fax, (410) 333-3279. Paul J. Wiedefeld, Administrator; Tony Brown, Assistant Administrator, (410) 767-8769. Information, (866) RIDE-MTA. Press, (410) 767-3931. TTY, (410) 539-3497. Wheelchair accessibility, (410) MTA-LIFT.

Web, http://www.mtamaryland.com

Responsible for mass transit programs in Maryland; provides MARC commuter rail service for Baltimore, Washington, and suburbs in Maryland and West Virginia.

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National Transportation Safety Board, Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations, 490 L'Enfant Plaza East S.W., #RPH1 20594; (202) 314-6460. Fax, (202) 314-6482. Bob Chipkevich, Director. Press, (202) 314-6100.

Web, http://www.ntsb.gov

Investigates passenger train accidents, including rapid rail transit and rail commuter systems, freight rail accidents with substantial damage to determine probable cause, pipeline accidents, and hazardous materials accidents; [Page 686]makes recommendations on rail transportation, pipeline, and hazardous materials safety, and accident prevention.

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Surface Transportation Board (Transportation Dept.), 395 E St. S.W.20423-0001; (202) 245-0245. Fax, (202) 245-0458. Charles D. Nottingham, Chair, (202) 245-0200. Library, (202) 245-0406. TTY, (800) 877-8339.

Web, http://www.stb.dot.gov

Regulates mergers and through-route requirements for the intercity bus industry. Library open to the public.

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Virginia Railway Express (VRE), 1500 King St., #202, Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 684-1001. Fax, (703) 684-1313. Dale Zehner, Chief Executive Officer. Press, (703) 838-5416. TTY, (703) 684-0551. Toll-free, (800) 743-3873.

General e-mail, gotrains@vre.org

Web, http://www.vre.org

Regional transportation partnership that provides commuter rail service from Fredericksburg and Manassas, Va., to Washington, D.C.

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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), 600 5th St. N.W. 20001; (202) 962-1234. Fax, (202) 962-1133. John B. Catoe, General Manager. Information, (202) 637-7000. TTY, (202) 638-3780.

Web, http://www.metroopensdoors.com

Provides bus and rail transit service to Washington, D.C, and neighboring Maryland and Virginia communities; assesses and plans for transportation needs. Provides fare, schedule, and route information; promotes accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

▸ Congress

For a listing of relevant congressional committees and subcommittees, please see page 656 or the Appendix.

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