Sens. want probe of potential Metro safety lapses
Associated Press
11/10/09 3:15 PM EST
WASHINGTON — U.S. senators are calling for an investigation into potential safety lapses at Metro.
Senators also announced Monday that a hearing will be held after it was reported that independent monitors were barred from live tracks.
Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski is calling on U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to investigate Metro's treatment of the Tri-State Oversight Committee, the regional body that oversees safety at Metro.
Monitors had been pressing for access for six months. Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein says a verbal agreement had been reached and the inspectors can approach live tracks if they have passed a safety class and are accompanied by safety escorts.
Eric Madison, chairman of the oversight committee, says Metro officials had not notified him that they had lifted a ban.


