D.C. Metro Access Provision Moves Forward in House

The House Committee on Oversight approved Wed. legislation that would open the D.C. Metro transit system to the major wireless carriers, requiring the Metro authority to allow them to install equipment throughout the system (CD April 2 p4). Currently, only Verizon Wireless subscribers can make and receive calls inside Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) tunnels. Sprint Nextel customers can roam. T-Mobile and AT&T subscribers have no access.

The amendment to a WMATA funding bill requires Metro to offer carriers access to the system so they can provide service at the 20 busiest subway platforms within a year of enactment. Within 4 years, carriers would have to be able to offer systemwide coverage

“Currently, only a limited number of wireless customers are able to use their phones while traveling throughout the Metrorail system,” committee Chmn. Waxman (D-Cal.) said. “That means that in emergency situations -- and other circumstances -- only these customers have the ability to communicate with others outside the trains and tunnels using their mobile phones.”

The amendment was added at the request of Waxman and ranking member Davis (R-Va.) to legislation that authorizes $1.5 billion for capital and renewal projects for WMATA. The legislation avoids “micromanagement” of the Metro system, Waxman said. “This provision is straightforward,” he added: “It simply establishes a time frame under which WMATA take steps to ensure that Metro riders are able to operate their mobile phones -- regardless of which carrier they use.” Davis said Wed. the legislation has strong bipartisan support from Senate and House members in the Capital region, and Sen. Cardin (D-Md.) has promised to offer a companion bill in the Senate.