Congressman Says People at Metro Need to Get Fired: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) is greatly displeased by a recent report suggesting that Metro track inspectors falsified reports on the tracks outside the East Falls Church Metro station where a Silver Line train derailed this summer, and he recently told WTOP that people ought to lose their jobs.

Connolly said in the report that lying and falsifying records should result in immediate termination with no chance of appeal or arbitration.

Connolly praised Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld for making "tough decisions," but said the Metro board was "dysfunctional," according to the report.

Documents released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board indicated that Metro track inspectors may have falsified inspection reports, and they knew of track flaws long before the July 29 derailment outside the East Falls Church Metro station. The train derailed due to a "wide gauge," which is when the tracks widen and can't support the train because of deteriorated rail ties.

Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the crash, but it caused about $150,000 in damage.

Connolly will participate in a House Oversight subcommittee hearing on Metro on Friday.

Image via WMATA