Metro gives circuit monitoring to riders

July 28, 6:55 PMDC Transportation ExaminerKatherine M. Hill

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Via DCist, we learn today that WMATA.com has a page devoted to tracking faulty circuit maintenance. It makes the circuit problem all the more terrifying, but it's a small step forward for WMATA. This is great way for us to monitor WMATA and our routes. (In addition to feeling better about the commute, we can know how much of a delay to expect, as trains will slow if a circuit is out. See below.)

It doesn't make a huge impact, given all of the trouble caused by Metro and general manager John Catoe's roundabout response and inability to take responsibility. And Metro's opening paragraph for the new page doesn't help either:

Since the rail accident on June 22, 2009, Metro has raised the standard for acceptable track circuit performance. As a result, we are checking circuits more often and that means, in some cases, trains need to slow down to a safe speed as they pass through areas where we're working.

We're looking now because of an accident, but never mind that we knew this has been an ongoing problem, we don't know how to fix it, we lied about the problem, we lied about the number of faulty circuits, and we lied about anything else related to the problem. No biggie! (Fine, I'm a little harsh.) We're working hard now, and going out of our way, because we care! If that makes you feel like crap too, Metro says engineers are checking the tracks twice daily.

More details from last week's press release:

Since the accident, Metro has increased the frequency of its track circuit data review from once every 30 days to twice daily and is doing a deeper level of analysis with more stringent requirements. Engineers review computerized reports after each rush hour and investigate every anomaly they see.

And, Catoe says these problems are not on par with the circuit at Fort Totten, which is likely the cause of the accident.

And now I know that my commute on the Red Line today is totally screwed.