Who is considered a contractor in the context of WMATA?

In the context of WMATA, a contractor is defined as a person or business entity hired by WMATA to perform work. This encompasses individuals or organizations that enter into an agreement with WMATA to provide specific services or perform tasks that are outside the internal capabilities of WMATA's own workforce. Contractors are crucial to various projects, as they bring specialized skills and resources that may not be readily available in-house.

In distinguishing this category from others, it is clear that operating trains or serving on the board involves roles inherent to WMATA's internal structure. Similarly, volunteers, while valuable for community engagement, do not fall under the professional or contractual obligations that define a contractor's role. Therefore, understanding the specific functions and responsibilities of contractors as compared to other roles within WMATA helps clarify their importance in maintaining and enhancing transit operations.