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Metro needs millions to fix new troubles
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Metro repairs for system that died yesterday may cost riders millions to repair
Yesterday, Examiner.com reported that Metro buses and train stations were experiencing technical difficulties that resulted in riders unable to use SmartTrip cards and pay by credit card. On buses, passengers were able to ride for free because the busses were unable to read cards and accept money. The issus extended to Metro corporate offices, hindering officials from updating the website and accessing the central database.
A 27-year-old power distribution unit that serves Metro’s downtown headquarters building failed resulting in the loss of several critical functions for the transit authority.
“It was a single point of failure for a three-decades old power unit for which we do not have a back-up. It reached the end of its life at 2:45 a.m. today," explained Metro Deput\y General Manager Gerald Francis yesterday.
By 3:30 p.m. all critical functions were back in service though systems that were down for part of the day included NextBus, e-Alerts, elements of customer call center services, public address system in the rail stations, ability to purchase fare media with a debit card, communications between the Bus and MetroAccess operations control centers and their vehicles, online MetroAccess reservation system, Metro web site, SmartBenefits download function, the HVAC and air handling system for Metro’s headquarters building, the HVAC system for three Metrorail stations , Bus vehicle locator system, some internal telephones and customer comment/complaint tracking system.
The part had recently been identified in a major risk assessment analysis and was identified as a part in critical need of replacement. “An interim fix is currently in place, however the permanent fix—replacement of the power distribution unit and other essential infrastructure equipment, will cost $14 million and is now one of our most urgent needs,” Francis said.
Once the funds are in hand, the essential infrastructure equipment will improve the capacity to distribute power, improve the chilling/cooling capacity of the HVAC infrastructure, replace outdated old parts and replace a major generator.
It will take approximately six months to fix once the money is in hand. Speculation surrounds the question of where is that money to come from given the recent renovations to the overall system following train crashes earlier this year resulting in passenger deaths and a budget that has already been stretched for upgrades due to increasing ridership.
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