WMATA awarded TSA’s Gold Standard Award for transit security

Credit: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA/Metro) has been awarded a Gold Standard Award for transit security from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Attaining high scores across all 17 of the transit security categories that are evaluated by TSA, Metro has received the designation for the fourth time.

With over 50 per cent of Metro’s safety staff having earned Transit Safety and Security certification by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transit Safety Institute (TSI), Metro has ensured the safety of both its passengers and employees. This is further highlighted through the Metro teams’ extensive experience, with the average safety team member having over 20 years of transit experience, over 15 years of WMATA experience and 10 years of safety experience.

“Safety is Metro’s top priority, and this award recognises the 24/7 effort to protect the National Capital Region from security threats,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld, Metro‘s General Manager and CEO. “We appreciate the TSA’s work to keep Metro and transit agencies across the country safe, and we’ll remain vigilant and proactive to counter and prepare for any threats that our region may face.”

“Metro’s strong security posture is a testament to MTPDs dedication to safety, as well as our strong partnerships with TSA and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners,” said Acting Metro Transit Police Chief, Michael Anzallo.

TSA’s Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) is a comprehensive review of security programmes to enhance threat prevention and protection and boost response preparedness. Assessment categories included Metro’s security plan, security training, drills and exercise programmes and public outreach efforts.