Braking by Train Operator Examined

A partition on the Woodley Park platform partly blocks the view of commuters on an inbound train, left, as investigators examine the wreckage of two Metro trains involved in Wednesday's crash. (Gerald Martineau -- The Washington Post)

White, Metro's chief executive, came to the agency from Bay Area Rapid Transit in San Francisco in 1996. His contract was extended in 2002 and is set to expire in 2009, which would make him the longest-serving chief executive in Metro's history.

As he testified before Congress and had frequent contact with federal officials in his first few years at Metro, White's visibility and reputation in his field grew. Last month, he was elected chairman of the American Public Transportation Association, the transit industry's premier organization.

He said yesterday that Metro's recent problems have created "the challenge of a 30-year professional career. . . . I have to dig down deeper to become a more effective general manager of this organization."

After yesterday's meeting, Metro board Chairman Robert J. Smith said White is devising some plans to improve accountability.

"We're looking to make it very clear what the lines of operation and accountability are within the authority," Smith said. "One of the things we're hearing quite loudly from the public and the media is we need to develop more credible accountability."

Smith said the Metro board backs White.

"Overall, the board is supportive," Smith said.

Staff writers Karlyn Barker and Steven Ginsberg contributed to this report.