WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) released the following statement in response to delays in reintroducing more 7000-series rail cars into regular service.

“We all would like to see the 7000-series back in service throughout the Metrorail system. It is long overdue. However, the difficult situation WMATA is in today is not simply the result of technical issues with the 7000-series rail cars; it also is the result of WMATA’s inadequate prioritization of safety over many years. To move forward, Metro must reaffirm its commitment to good faith, open and continuous communication and collaboration with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC). Now under the new management of Randy Clarke, WMATA must demonstrate an earnest and renewed effort to prioritize safety and to improve its relationship with WMSC. We encourage both agencies to work together. The common goal is safety.”