WMSC audit flags understaffed rail-traffic controllers, improperly qualified roadway workers; approves program-standard updates

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) summarized its September oversight work at a public meeting on Sept. 16, reporting an audit finding that Metro lacks a sufficient number of rail traffic controllers and saying another audit identified improperly qualified roadway workers in charge (RICs). Commissioners approved updates to a program standard at the meeting and reported nine inspections carried out in September, including an unannounced visit to the Shady Grove service and inspection shop on Sept. 9 that did not require corrective action.

The WMSC described the shortfall of rail traffic controllers as “Finding 1,” reporting increasing turnover and insufficient staffing to meet the role’s responsibilities. The commission’s meeting materials, presented at the Sept. 16 public meeting, said understaffing or lack of qualifications for rail traffic controllers can be dangerous for a rail system’s operation and worker safety.

Separately, during a Sept. 4 track-structures and roadway audit the WMSC identified a safety hazard involving roadway workers in charge. The commission said certain level 4 roadway workers assigned as RICs were not properly qualified to perform that safety role. The WMSC noted that WMATA (the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) will propose a corrective action plan to address that hazard and the WMSC will review and approve the plan when it is submitted.

At the Sept. 16 public meeting, commissioners approved updates to the commission’s program standard; the transcript lists the approval but does not record a motion text, vote tally, or mover/second. Meeting notes also record an informal lunch between WMSC Chair Chris Hart and Commissioner Chris Conklin and representatives identified as LaMotta Chair Valerie Santos and board member Walter Alcorn, during which officials exchanged ideas and reiterated a shared commitment to Metrorail safety.

The WMSC said it carried out nine inspections during September. One unannounced inspection on Sept. 9 visited the Shady Grove service and inspection shop; the commission reported that visit did not require a WMSC corrective-action type. The transcript does not provide additional details about findings at other inspections or specify whether WMATA has completed any corrective actions tied to the audits beyond the forthcoming RIC corrective-action plan.

Next steps identified in the meeting record include WMATA preparing a corrective action plan addressing the improperly qualified RICs and the WMSC’s future review and approval of that plan. The transcript does not specify deadlines for that submission or the membership-level vote count for the program-standard update.