(Forestville, Maryland) September 7th, 2021 – “We were very happy to see that WMATA is seriously considering expanding MetroRail as part of the solutions proposed in its recent BOS capacity study. We understand that it takes valuable time, energy, and resources to expand rapid rail transit, but a failure to expand the system now will only lead to future generations of this region’s residents stuck in total gridlock. We have a huge opportunity to take thousands of future cars off the road. We don’t have time for ‘wait-and-see’ approaches with climate change.” said Raymond Jackson, President and Business Agent. “Local 689 strongly supports expanding MetroRail and hopes that proposals for its expansion prioritizes the underserved parts of D.C. and Maryland.” 

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Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 is comprised of more than 13,000 members and retirees performing occupations within the many skilled transportation crafts for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), MetroAccess, DASH, and the DC Circulator and Streetcar among others. A member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (AFL-CIO/CLC), the largest labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada, Local 689 was established on January 19, 1916. For more information please visit our website at atulocal689.org.