Sunday, June 5, 2005

For additional documents and graphics, including station-by-station information on escalators, go tohttp://www.washingtonpost.com.

Washington's world-class subway has fallen into decline, and nearly $1 billion spent on projects to upgrade the system has not improved service.

As the number of derailments, rail breaks and other safety concerns on Metro has risen sharply, records show that many incidents could have been prevented if managers had heeded warnings from experts and employees.

MetroAccess, the transportation program for the disabled, has been plagued by poor service, rising costs and dishonest drivers and riders.

Even as Metro officials complain about tight finances, they continue to spend millions on projects that have little to do with the core mission of transporting customers.