Metro also has underestimated the problems that will be created on the power system by running all eight-car trains throughout the system, which is one of Metro’s eventual goals, the report says.

“Previous power assessments, conducted by WMATA… do not accurately reflect the deteriorated condition and performance of WMATA’s cable plant,” the FTA said in its report. “Additional upgrades and cable replacement will be required to adequately and safely power 100 percent 8-car train operation.”

The 85-page report is the latest in a series of top-to-bottom assessments conducted by the Federal Transit Administration since it took over safety oversight responsibilities for Metro more than a year ago.

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Additionally, FTA released a directive with 47 required actions that Metro must take to improve the safety and reliability of its power system. Some of those actions include increased training for Metro workers on how to detect traction power problems on the tracks, more resources invested in building up the number of staff focused on power issues, and develop long-term plans for upgrading and replacing critical infrastructure.

“The safety performance of [the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s traction power] system has deteriorated with age, deferred maintenance, and increased exposure to water and moisture with contaminating materials,” FTA wrote.

In a statement, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx insisted that significant improvements have already been made and that Metro’s electrical system is safer now than it was a year ago. The agency pointed out that Metro experienced 18 electrical arcing events from March to June 14 of this year, including four major events. Since mid-June, there have been eight relatively minor arcing events.

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“WMATA has already started to address these issues, and the FTA report and special directive will help WMATA prioritize what it must do to improve its traction power system to keep the trains running safely,” Foxx said.

Even so, the remaining problems are significant and wide-ranging, according to the FTA.

“While WMATA has taken many positive steps to create a new traction power maintenance department and establish a new cable inspection program, the agency still does not have sufficient personnel resources to complete required preventive and corrective maintenance on the [power] system,” the report said. “Recruitment and training of [traction power] system electrical mechanics lags behind need, and corrective maintenance work orders are backlogged.”

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The FTA pointed out that, despite ramped-up efforts to replace cables inside the tunnels, many aspects of the system’s electrical infrastructure are woefully outdated. About 80 percent of the primary feeder cables have been replaced in the last 15 years, FTA said, but the majority of secondary cables are the same ones that existed when Metro was first opened 40 years ago.

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“Programs to replace and upgrade critical [traction power] infrastructure, including tiebreakers and cable plant, have not been sufficient for the age of the system or the demand placed on it,” FTA said. “The age and degraded condition of this secondary cabling system now presents a potential point of failure for sustained electrical arcing events and fires.”