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

Two ABQ RIDE buses
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 1, 2026

ABQ RIDE Launches ‘Drive Safe, Ride Safe’ Campaign to Strengthen Internal Safety Culture

The 12-month initiative focuses on staff engagement, training, and reducing preventable incidents.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Read More →
PSTA, City of Dunedin, and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna during a check ceremony for restoration of the Dunedin Pier
Security and Safetyby StaffMarch 31, 2026

PSTA, City Officials Receive Money to Repair Hurricane Ravaged Pier

The funds will specifically reconstruct the portion of the pier used by PSTA’s Clearwater Ferry, creating a permanent dock for the ferry service, which serves as an important transportation and tourism link to other Pinellas County communities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with Safety Vision's logo and text reading "Report Shows Growing Impact of AI-Powered Video."

AI Video Systems Emerging as Core Safety Infrastructure, Safety Vision Report Finds

Between accident prevention and insurance savings, new research outlines how transportation fleets are leveraging intelligent video and telematics technologies.

Read More →
A screenshot of ZeroEyes AI gun detection technology.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMarch 24, 2026

ZeroEyes Launches ZeroLink to Expand AI Gun Detection Beyond Traditional Networks

New edge-based solution enables real-time threat detection and situational awareness in remote, mobile, and infrastructure-limited environments.

Read More →
Rendering of CTA railcar
Security and Safetyby StaffMarch 19, 2026

FTA Launches Safety Inspections, Plans Directive to IDOT on CTA Issues

The FTA said its actions build on its nationwide campaign to make transit systems safer for American families.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close up of a public transit bus tire with text reading "House Committee Advances “Dalilah’s Law” to Strengthen CDL Safety Standards."
Security and Safetyby StaffMarch 19, 2026

House Committee Advances 'Dalilah’s Law' to Strengthen CDL Safety Standards

The bill would tighten CDL requirements, enhance training standards, and increase oversight of commercial driver licensing nationwide.

Read More →
A CTA railcar in a Chicago station
Security and Safetyby StaffMarch 11, 2026

CTA Sends Expanded Security Plan to FTA, Boosts Policing Hours by 75%

The Plan is CTA's formal response to an FTA Special Directive issued in December and details how the agency will significantly expand the law enforcement surge it launched.

Read More →
Anthony Incorvati cover photo for METROspectives
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMarch 5, 2026

The Future of Transit Safety with AXIS Communications’ Anthony Incorvati

Learn how technology is moving beyond passive recording to become an active operational tool.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A photo of rail tracks in Ottawa, Canada

Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency

On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.

Read More →