Controversy Over Metro Escalator Audit

On Monday, the blog Unsuck DC Metro leaked documents related to an escalator and elevator audit conducted by an outside contractor for Metro. The blog alleged that the documents prove Metro knew about problems with escalator brakes Sept. 30, a month before an escalator brake failure at L'Enfant Plaza on Oct. 30 that left several injured.

Metro told the Washington Post that the documents were an outdated draft and not the final version of the audit.

The audit, which looked at four stations — Bethesda, Dupont Circle, Woodley Park and Foggy Bottom —  that included an unbalanced preventive maintenance schedule, a shortage of supervisors, a lack of adherence to maintenance standards and water intrusions.

Those findings were outlined in a publicly released summary of the audit that was reported on by news media, including Bethesda Patch. But Unsuck DC Metro reported that the leaked documents highlight further problems — including brake pads and hoist ropes worn beyond life expectancy — that weren't included in the publicly released summary.

According to Unsuck DC Metro, the audit stated that "conditions requiring immediate maintenance/service address are being overlooked."

Patch is looking into the report and any new information that might pertain to the Bethesda station.