DC Metro GM Paul Wiedefeld outlined a new plan Friday called "Safetrack" that will shut down all stations at midnight every day of the week beginning in June so that crews can perform maintenance and repairs.
The rail system is traditionally open from 5 a.m. until midnight Monday through Friday and closes at 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. It opens are 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The gist of the plan includes safety surges, massive projects including more track repairs and stud replacements.
The Metro's chairman Jack Evans agrees that the repairs have to be done despite the problems that could bring for riders.
"We are asking all the stakeholders in Metro, the elected officials, the appointed officials, the business community and most importantly our riders, our customers to bear with us," he said. "This is going to be inconvenient. It's going to be more inconvenient than it is now."
Wiedefeld said that crews only have 33 hours a week to make sure the rails are safe, but that isn't enough time to fix problems that have persisted for decades.
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