WMATA's congestion mirrors internal problems

If you have taken the DC Metro’s Red Line recently, then you have experienced the frustration of a seemingly endless wait to board a sardine packed car. Be warned: This trend of slow, manually-run trains may continue for the next year. But the worst news is that the DC Metro system’s internal issues are not much better.

According to reports, last week’s accident was caused by a failure of the signal system and operator error on an older Rohr Model 1000 train. However, the National Transit Safety Board (NSTB) recommended the 292 model 1000 rail cars be replaced or retrofitted in 2004 and 2006. No action was taken.