For Immediate Release
March 15, 2016
Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105
Grosso Statement on Impact of Metro Closure on Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C--Due to safety concerns, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has announced that it will shut down the entire Metrorail system starting at midnight tonight and reopening at 5 am on Thursday, March 17. Councilmember Grosso, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, released the following statement:
"Metro's safety record has been a longstanding and well-documented concern for residents throughout the entire region. While I do not discount the challenges that lie ahead for WMATA, I am deeply concerned by the recent decision to close the entire Metrorail system. As Chairperson of the Committee on Education, my primary concern is ensuring that our students can get to school safely. As many of you know, the District of Columbia does not have a traditional school bus system and many of our 87,000 public school students rely on public transportation to get to school on time. I understand that this is a significant disruption for many of our families. I am in contact with school officials and they will continue to update the public as more information becomes available."
As of 5:30p on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, D.C. Public Schools has announced that school will open as scheduled; however, tardies and absences will be excused. For more information about Public Charter School openings and closures please visit: www.dcpcsb.org
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