"I believe that Metro is America’s transit system."

I'm sure this was meant as a patriotic throw-away line, but let's be clear that Metro is DC, MD, and VA's transit system and used predominately by daily commuters. So long as Congress continues to be stingy with funding, "rebuilding" Metro is about providing quality and reliable service to the paying customers - not some vanity project. Metro's failings cause real disruptions in people's lives.

Also, since you're working in communications, it would be a good idea for your department to look into launching a public education campaign discouraging suicide-by-Metro.