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A crumbling public transportation system has prompted Metro’s Board of Directors to spend $851 million in rebuilding efforts. There will not be any new rail lines or new stations. Instead, the money is going to refurbish the worst parts of the Metro transit system, which turned 35 last month. A Metro spokesperson said it is the largest capital program in Metro’s existence.
Leaking station ceilings, broken escalators, cracked station platforms and long delays due to maintenance work have frustrated riders for years. Commuters will be happy to know that the money will purchase replacement rail cars, buses and MetroAccess vehicles. More than $120 million will repair 153 escalators and 31 elevators. Eventually, Metro will spend $1 billion to meet recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board resulting from the fatal 2009 Red Line crash.
A combination of federal, state and local funds will pay for the improvements. Maryland and its counties are paying $132.3 million, Virginia’s communities and the state are paying $110.2 million and D.C. will pay $134.8 million, respectively. Federal grants and funds are providing $398 million, although Congress may not come through on the $150 million it promised as part of a 10-year deal.
Broken escalators and cracked station platforms can cause severe injuries for Metro riders. Contact a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer for information about financial compensation for your Metro injuries. Roger Johnson is an experienced Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis and he is prepared to help you.