Metro Malfunction

WASHINGTON -- Run down and in need of serious repair, Metro is at a critical point in its history. Crowded trains and buses, crumbling platforms and malfunctioning rail cars are just a few of the issues the 32 year-old transit system faces every day.

Now Metro General Manager John Catoe says Metro needs more than $11 billion to maintain and expand the system, as well as keep it safe and reliable. In Metro Malfunction, I take a close look at the current state of Metro, as well as the roadblocks to funding the transit agency.

Part I

Metro General Manager John Catoe has announced the transit system needs more than $11 billion between 2010 and 2020. (To listen to Part I, click the play button in the left-hand column.)

Part II

Are Metro riders noticing that the transit system is in need of repair? (To listen to Part II, click the play button in the left-hand column.)

Part III

Crumbling platforms held up by 2x4s. Metro has an issue with a number of platforms around the rail system. In Part III, an up close look at Metro's shaky infrastructure. (To listen to Part III, click the play button in the left-hand column.)

Part IV

Metro has had an issue this year with doors on rail cars opening on the wrong side of trains and before they should. In Part IV, an explanation for why the problem has been happening. (To listen to Part IV, click the play button in the left-hand column.)

Part V

Metro riders are squeezing onto trains and buses. In Part V, find out how the transit agency plans to deal with its capacity issues. (To listen to Part V, click the play button in the left-hand column.)

Part VI

Metroaccess is Metro's fastest growing and costliest service, but the service for the disabled is putting a financial strain on the transit system. (To listen to Part VI, click the play button in the left-hand column.)

Part VII Metro buses -- more than one in four -- are not making to their stopes on time. In Part VII, I take a look under the hood to find out why. b>(To listen to Part VII, click the play button in the left-hand column.)

Part VIII
It's hard to imagine showing up at your office and finding water on the floor and a moldy smell every day, but that's exactly what some Metro employees are dealing with. b>(To listen to Part VIII, click the play button in the left-hand column.)

Part IX
They squeak, squeal and serenade -- and that's the fun part about Metro's escalators. In Part IX, find out about one of the worst escalators in the transit system.

Part X
Will Metro get the critical funding it needs? In Part X, I find Metro appears on the brink of good news.

The Metro video below shows a close up look at some of Metro's problems.

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