With Lack of Maintenance, DC Subway System Loses Its Luster

WASHINGTON— The closure of the subways in the nation’s capital in the middle of the workweek to inspect and repair power cables that could otherwise burst into flames was just the latest symptom of a lengthy decline for the Metro system, once a sourc...

Cars sit in traffic along Florida Avenue in the Shaw neighborhood, in Washington, Wednesday, March 16, 2016. The Metro subway system that serves the nation's capital and its Virginia and Maryland suburbs shut down for a full-day for an emergency safety inspection of its third-rail power cables. Making for unusual commute, as the lack of service is forcing some people on the roads, while others are staying home or teleworking. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

WASHINGTON— The closure of the subways in the nation’s capital in the middle of the workweek to inspect and repair power cables that could otherwise burst into flames was just the latest symptom of a lengthy decline for the Metro system, once a source of regional pride.

Metro, which reopened Thursday morning after emergency repairs, is now known for broken escalators, frequent delays, an acrid smell in the stations and aging railcars with carpets caked in decades of grime. The system’s board chairman, Jack Evans, says walking into the stations is like entering a “dungeon.”

Metro opened in 1976, but its problems date back even farther, to decisions made in the 1960s when construction began and its unusual governing structure was established.

Metro employee shuts down escalators to the McPherson Square Station in Washington, on March 16, 2016. AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais