METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

WMATA report finds rail station managers unprepared for emergencies

Agency's quality control team says that inspectors found inoperative flash lights, expired first aid materials, and myriad inconsistent mechanisms for unlocking emergency lock boxes in a review of 19 stations over the summer.

September 27, 2017
WMATA report finds rail station managers unprepared for emergencies

Ben Schumin

1 min to read


Ben Schumin

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) station managers, who are responsible for observing, inspecting, and overseeing the system’s 91 stations, are ill-equipped to respond to emergencies, according to a new report that says inspectors found inoperative flash lights, expired first aid materials, and myriad inconsistent mechanisms for unlocking emergency lock boxes in a review of 19 stations over the summer, The Washington Post reports.

The report by WMATA’s quality control team found some of the surveillance monitors inside the stations weren’t functioning “for an extended period of time” for reasons unbeknownst to station managers, compromising their ability to observe the stations from the glass-enclosed booths where they also monitor radios. The review concluded WMATA did not properly inform station managers the equipment was being updated, although WMATA noted the cameras remained operational and the footage could be viewed from other locations.

Ad Loading...

The report included a number of recommendations, namely ramping up the number of “spot-checks” to verify station managers are carrying out their job responsibilities. WMATA also committed to ensuring stations are stocked with the proper documentation, employees are briefed on their record-keeping requirements, and emergency equipment and supplies were available to them and customers, after the report found deficiencies in each of those areas. For the full story, click here.


More Security and Safety

Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
DART's light rail station at 8th and Corinth
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative

The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.

Read More →
RTD Launches All-in-One NextRide App
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 26, 2026

RTD Launches NextRide App to Consolidate Trip Planning, Fares, Security Reporting

The app expands on RTD’s existing NextRide web application and allows customers to view real-time vehicle locations and service alerts, purchase and store digital fares, and access customer support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with technician hands working on an engine and text reading "TAPTCO Updates OSHA Compliance Training for Transit Maintenance."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesAugust 25, 2026

TAPTCO Updates OSHA Compliance Training for Transit Maintenance Operations

The revamped program addresses 26 OSHA standards for maintenance facilities, with TAPTCO pointing to training, documentation, and everyday shop hazards as continuing challenges for transit operations.

Read More →
An image of a doorway on a public transit vehicle with a yellow outline overlay.
SponsoredAugust 18, 2026

How VaporVision Adds Value to Transit Door Systems

Wabtec engineers explain how the system improves doorway detection, strengthens diagnostics and gives transit agencies and OEMs greater operating flexibility.

Read More →
An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Alex RomanAugust 14, 2026

FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak

Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Layered Safety Strategies Take Hold in Chicago and Maryland
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanAugust 13, 2026

Chicago, Maryland Expand Non-Law-Enforcement Safety, Rider Support

The CTA and MTA are launching new programs aimed at de-escalation, crisis response, rider assistance, and greater transparency.

Read More →
AI Powers Bus Lane Enforcement
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 12, 2026

LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement

The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.

Read More →
A man speaks with two Los Angeles Metro Ambassadors.
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesAugust 4, 2026

LA Metro Reports 57% Decline in Homelessness on Transit System Since 2024

The agency's latest homelessness count offers new data on how care-based services and cross-sector partnerships can complement traditional transit security strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An image of the white house with text overlayed reading "FTA Launches Transit Performance Dashboard."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesJuly 24, 2026

FTA Launches 'Transit Moves America' Dashboard to Highlight Agency Safety and Performance

The online dashboard transforms National Transit Database information into a public-facing resource that allows users to compare transit agencies on key operational and safety metrics.

Read More →