DC: Feds Slam DC Metro's Track Inspection Program

Systematic deficiencies, which have led to train derailments and other safety issues, persist in Washington Metrorail's track inspection program, according to a scathing new report from federal investigators.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) released its finding Monday, along with a safety directive requiring Metro to correct a number of its track problems.

The FTA, which assumed oversight of Washington's transit authority last fall, began its investigation this spring amid concerns about a train derailment last year and a tunnel fire in March that led to a daylong shutdown of the entire system for emergency inspections.

The beleaguered transit agency began rolling out a massive new rail repair project in June, but Metro has continued to be plagued by a series of safety lapses, including another train derailment just last month.

Read the complete article at http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/290784-federal-investigators-slam-dc-metros-track-inspection-program