The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has begun its
SafeTrack project, an undertaking that has raised much discontent among Washington, D.C. residents.
“The early closures are kind of annoying,” said Elizabeth Moyer, 23. “The Metro used to be a really reliable way to get home if you stayed out past midnight, but now it’s not. And that’s really unfortunate, and kind of dangerous too for people who live in the city.”
Nevertheless, while close to half of those interviewed stated that they found SafeTrack to be an inconvenience, they also noted that they considered it a necessary one.
“It’s hard. I feel like it’s unfortunate that they had to choose a time now to inconvenience citizens of the region, but it’s probably something that’s necessary given all of the problems they’ve been having, and the fires and other issues they’ve been having,” said 59-year-old Raymond McGhee.
“It has to be fixed, and I guess it’s a necessary evil.”
The primary aim of SafeTrack is to carry out technical renovations on all six of the system’s Metro lines through the use of relatively minor measures such as early weekend closures and more intensive “Safety Surges,” extended periods of focused repairs on specific lines that last from as little as one week to as long as six. The Metro is currently undergoing its third of 15 intended surges, an effort that has impacted both the yellow and blue lines and which will continue through to July 11, according to a plan released in May by the WMATA.
The first few Safety Surges, in combination with the newly implemented maintenance measures, have been responsible for increased delays and temporary line closures across the Washington metropolitan area, causing many interviewees to voice dissatisfaction over the project and only two of the 10 to express enthusiasm.
While some individuals criticized the administration for their failure to properly maintain the Metrorail system, McGhee took a different standpoint on the matter.
“I don’t want to kick them while they’re down,” he said. “This is an embarrassing set of circumstances, but it’s clear that the management and the Metro in the past hasn’t done well.”
In addition to the SafeTrack project, individuals also shared other criticisms that they had of the district’s public transit system. A few individuals expressed concerns over the price of Metro and bus fare, stating that they considered it to be too expensive.
Scott Wheeler, 46, who was visiting from Dallas with his family of four, said that he at times found it cheaper for his family to call an Uber than to take the Metro.
“We definitely make a decision on if we should go hop on the Metro based upon the price,” Wheeler said.
Colin Rice, 28, shared similar concerns, stating, “I think the Metro’s a little expensive. I used to work out in Rockville and I would drive instead of take the Metro because gas was cheaper.”
Nevertheless, half of those interviewed considered the prices to be relatively reasonable, voicing other grievances such as issues with communication, overcrowding and a need for a greater police presence.
When asked for their overall opinion of the District’s current state of public transportation, however, five of the 10 individuals expressed praise, two said it was satisfactory but could still be improved, and only three voiced a strong sense of dissatisfaction.
“I love it,” said Jennie Ganz, 50, “I love the bus, and I think it’s excellent. The drivers are very safe and they’re very friendly and courteous, and I think it’s perfect.”