WASHINGTON — The Metro system better clean up its act, and fast. That’s the conclusion outlined in appalling detail by WMATA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) after a nearly two-year investigation.
The inspector general left few details to the imagination, from human feces to bottles of urine threatening the image of the Metro system, and in some cases, documented filth left in parking garages for months.
"Because of these parking garage conditions, risk of harm to the riding public increases; rodents and other vermin are attracted to the parking garages; and WMATA’s reputation is jeopardized due to unsightly conditions," a summary of the report said.
The watchdog found that WMATA spent over $2.2 million for contracted cleaning services that were not performed over a two-year period.
The full findings are expected to be presented before WMATA’s executive committee Thursday.
As a remedy, the summary said station managers are implementing a thorough cleaning of all Metrorail garages, with an expected completion date of April 30, 2020.
The investigation also detailed "used condoms; significant amounts of trash and debris; broken glass; unsanitary elevators and numerous overflowing trash cans."
"This filth was not cleaned daily as required by WMATA and remained in place for days, weeks, and even months," the summary said.
Metro released a statement Monday: "We appreciate the work of the OIG to bring these issues to light," a Metro spokesperson said. "When presented with the report’s findings, Metro immediately took action to correct unsafe and unclean conditions at parking facilities. All stairwells and landings have been pressure washed, and all garage decks will be pressure washed by the end of April, weather permitting. Metro is working to have a cleaning schedule posted at every garage by March 1. Additionally, Metro has begun the process of phasing out contractors and hiring custodial workers in-house. During this transition, Metro has improved oversight of the current custodial contractors to ensure performance is monitored and enforced."
You can see the full response to the OIG Audit below.
Read the full inspector general summary here, or below.