GAO Reports On Washington Transit

The GAO reports on the many successes at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, but notes that capital planning should be enhanced.

1 minute read

August 6, 2001, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


In recent years, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s(WMATA) public transit system has experienced problems related to thesafety and reliability of its transit services, including equipmentbreakdowns, delays in scheduled service, unprecedented crowding ontrains, and some accidents and tunnel fires. At the same time, WMATA'sridership is at an all-time high and WMATA managers expect the numberof passengers to double over the next 25 years. As agreed with youroffices, this report addresses the following questions: (1) What challengesdoes WMATA face in operating and maintaining its Metrorail system?(2) What efforts has WMATA made to establish and monitor safety andsecurity within its transit system? (3) To what extent does WMATA followestablished best practices in planning, selecting, and budgeting for itscapital investments? Editor's note: The link below is to an Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file.

Thanks to Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development

Friday, August 3, 2001 in U.S. General Accounting Office

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog