Report Shows Number Of Issues With D.C. Metrorail System
WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- Safety ignored and a lack of management. That's what a federal investigation reveals about the Washington Metrorail system following the deadly smoke incident inside a station and tunnel in January.
Marcus Washington with more on what the investigation uncovered.
The 116 page report shows WMATA has a number of issues.
What happened in the L'Enfante Plaza Metrorail back in January brought attention to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and its practices.
There are dozens of injuries and one woman dies, sparking a Federal Transit Administration investigation.
WJZ spoke with Dennean Baker, one of the smoke-filled train victims in February. She remembers those horrifying moments waiting for help.
"You couldn't see anything. It was that thick of a smoke. One passenger tried to open the door because he wanted to get out. Soon as you open the door, more smoke came in. So that's when everyone is hollering, 'Close the door, close the door,'" said Baker.
WMATA is the second largest Metrorail system in the country, servicing more than 730,000 people a week.
The 116 page report points out a number of issues, including employees ignoring rules, using cell phones while on the job. And while there is training, there is no one to ensure what's learned is practiced.
This isn't the first time WMATA has been under scrutiny. In 2009, the collision of two Metrorail trains ended with eight deaths.
Adequate staffing, an out of date computer system and improper radio use protocol were also problems addressed in the report.
While the findings are disturbing, officials say WMATA is safe.
"Today's findings should not be interrupted as a reason for WMATA's rail and bus passengers to seek other means of transportation," said Therese McMillan, FTA acting administrator.
The report reveals that at the end of the investigation, there were 78 distinct correction actions that need to be made. WMATA has 30 days to respond.
The investigation also looked at Metro's bus system, where more problems were found.