Off the Rails

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

• Efforts to Repair Aging System Compound Metro's Problems
• The Downside of Escalator Renovation
• Interactive Graphic: How Escalators Work
• Interactive Graphic: Metro Escalators
• Graphic: More Riders
• Photo Gallery: System Flaws

Day 2

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

• Safety Warnings Often Ignored at Metro
• Metro Trying to Erase Image of Poor Service
• Interactive Graphic: Emergency Scenarios
• Graphic: Safety and Discipline
• Graphic: How Metro Inspects Its Rails
• Photo Gallery: Safety Issues

Day 3

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

• Service for Disabled Is Troubled
• Graphic: MetroAccess by the Numbers
• Photo Gallery: Probing Fraud

Day 4

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.

• Metro Funds Veer From Mission
• Graphic: Flawed Investments
• Photo Gallery: Metro Management
• Discussion Transcript: Post Reporters Lyndsey Layton and Jo Becker

More News

• Who's Responsible is Not Always Clear
• At Metro, Some Crimes Don't Count
• Progress Has Passed Metrobus By
• GAO Asked to Investigate Metro Costs
• Fixing Metro
• D.C. Council Grills Metro's Manager
• Lawmakers Warn Metro on Funding
• All Crime Counts on Metro
• Missing the Bus
• Inspector General Proposed for Metro
• Metro Drops Longtime Manager