WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT COMMISSION

Chair: Agnes M. Alexander, District of Columbia

Appointed by Governor of Maryland: Claude M. Ligon

Appointed by Governor of Virginia: one vacancy

William H. McGilvery, Executive Director

1828 L Street, NW, Suite 703
Washington, DC 20036 - 5104
(202) 331-1671

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission was established in 1961 to regulate the commercial transportation of passengers in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan District. The Commission was created by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact, an agreement among Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. Maryland ratified the Compact in 1959 (Chapter 613, Acts of 1959). Amended by Maryland in its entirety in 1988, the revised compact became effective in February 1991 after ratification by Virginia and the District of Columbia (Chapter 273, Acts of 1988).

The Commission prescribes fares, regulations, and practices of transportation companies and interstate taxicabs in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit District. Created by the Compact, the District embraces the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's counties, Maryland; the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church, Virginia; and Arlington and Fairfax counties, Virginia.

The Commission has three members. One is named by the Governor of Maryland from the Maryland Public Service Commission. The Governor of Virginia appoints one from the Virginia State Corporation Commission. One is chosen by the Mayor of the District of Columbia from the District Public Service Commission. Each member's term coincides with the term of office in the agency from which the member is selected. Commission expenses are allocated annually in proportion to the population of each signatory in the Metropolitan District. Maryland's share in Fiscal Year 1996 was 46.57 percent or $223,536 (Code Transportation Article, sec. 10-203).

Interstate Agencies

Maryland Manual On-Line