WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – An investigation into the Washington, DC metro system found major safety concerns in rail system’s maintenance and operations, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) said in a press release.
“FTA [Federal Transit Administration] found serious safety lapses in Metrorail’s Rail Operations Control Center, which schedules and conducts maintenance work, manages abnormal and emergency events, and ensures the safety of trains and personnel,” DOT said on Wednesday.
In response to the findings the FTA issued a safety directive for the metro system to address concerns.
The report comes after the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) on June 11, 2015 halted the use of 100 eight-car trains due to safety concerns.
The Washington Metro system has been beset by a number of issues, including track problems and train malfunction. Commuters have long complained of unreliable service, constant weekend track work, long-waiting time for trains, faulty escalators as well as safety and hygiene problems.
The US National Transportation Safety Board issued a report on June 8, 2015, unveiling problems of electrical connections in the metro system.
In January 2015, more than 200 people were injured and one person died from smoke inhalation when a metro train stopped in a tunnel.
