In its timeline for the METRO Solutions Phase 2 build out, METRO included "off ramps" that would allow it flexibility to negotiate fair prices for each stage of engineering, construction, and operations - while adhering to the project's schedule.

METRO has reached a ramp, reassessed its options, and decided not to proceed with its current partner, Washington Group International (WGI).

METRO has now engaged Parsons Transportation Group to advance the program.

Today's decision is neither a setback nor a surprise to METRO, said METRO's President & CEO Frank Wilson.

"All the development work done by WGI remains METRO's product and we're maintaining the current schedule," Wilson said. "As planned, we're going to begin construction on the East End line in June."

Wilson said he has directed WGI to keep all current subcontractors in place.

Wilson added that METRO's decision not to proceed with WGI was based on a number of factors, including its failure to deliver an acceptable and reasonable price for the next phase of construction and its failure to deliver on promises made in its original proposal.

Parsons was one of the three initial pre-qualified bidders for the first phase of the METRO Solutions development work and has a resume of transportation work that includes light-rail projects across the country. 

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