Fed inspections of D.C. Metro rail find major safety violations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal inspections of D.C.'s Metro system have revealed systematic failures in providing safe conditions in the event of an emergency evacuation, including missing signage and blocked escape routes, ABC News reported.

A letter from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to Metro’s GM Paul Wiedefeld, obtained by ABC News, pointed to 107 safety inspections over the course of the year, revealing procedural violations surrounding the safety of employees working on the tracks.

“Although we are still compiling our final report from these inspections, the seriousness of these findings and a clear concern for public safety compel me to direct WMATA to take immediate action,” said Thomas Littleton, an associate administrator for safety at the FTA.

The issues were found during a “safety blitz” the agency conducted, which began earlier this year. The letter said the agency, "identified 229 defects requiring 66 remedial actions," according to ABC News. For the full story, click here.