Fixing Metro's safety problems

It is appropriate that members of the Senate address Metrorail's safety problems ["Senators issue safety ultimatum to Metro board," Metro, Feb. 23]. But rather than placing new restrictions on Metro's funding, Congress should increase funding of Metro so that it can improve its dismal service without increasing fares.

Why not use stimulus funds to improve service and avoid fare increases, which further decrease ridership? When commuters with a choice select Metrorail over automobiles, pollution and use of imported oil are dramatically reduced while overall productivity increases because fewer drivers are stuck in traffic.

In addition to addressing safety issues, Congress should require that stimulus funds or other appropriations be used to hire skilled workers from Detroit and other distressed regions to repair escalators and restore maintanence on what was and should be a model transportation system.

Adam Wenner, Bethesda

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I can't imagine why, but four members of the U.S. Senate charging the Metro board with "institutional failure" brings to mind pots and kettles.

Donald F. Graff, Fairfax