An audit from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission found a number of glaring issues with the Washington, D.C., Metro system.
In an audit report released on Tuesday, the WMSC found that the Metro used cars that had failed competency tests, eschewed safety protocols and that mechanics cut corners in their required assessments. Despite the problems, however, the agency ruled that the faults don’t pose a risk to passengers.
“The audit found that Metrorail is not meeting life-safety and occupational safety and health requirements in railcar maintenance facilities,” the report read. “These include requirements of Metrorail’s hot works program, fall protection requirements, and safe crane lifting practices.”
The audit further found that Metrorail wasn’t meeting certification requirements for car maintenance road mechanics, wasn’t following “industry standard electrostatic discharge protection practices for railcar components,” and was using equipment “not calibrated in accordance with its policies and procedures, including for inspection and maintenance of components with a direct impact on safety.”
Another problem uncovered was that the Metro reportedly wasn’t tracking individual railcar parts with shelf lives.
The report recommended more proactive training and updating staffing assessments. Metro is required to issue a plan for improvement within 30 days of the report.
Metro said in a statement to the Washington Post that it was reviewing the findings “and will take appropriate action upon completion of our review.”
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Despite the concerning findings, WMSC spokesman Max Smith said that the Metro remains generally safe.
“One reason Metrorail and other systems are safe is because there are these procedures and safety commitments,” he told the outlet. “There are other things in place that are intended as backup plans, but you don’t want to rely on your backup plans. Metro should implement all of its safety plans so [riders] can feel safe riding it.”
