Metro News Release
For immediate release: November 4, 2009
Failure of a power distribution unit disrupted Metro's communications
Trains, buses, paratransit services were always operational
A 37-year-old power distribution unit that serves Metro’s downtown headquarters building failed at 2:45 a.m. This resulted in the loss of several critical functions for the transit authority, many of which affected customer-related communications and services.
Metro headquarters, at 600 Fifth St. NW, has two power distribution units that distribute power throughout the eight-story facility. One unit distributes power to rail system functions. The other unit distributes power to other critical functions.
Burnt-out equipment from power distribution unit
By 3:30 p.m. all critical functions were back in service. Systems that were down for part of the day included NextBus, e-Alerts, elements of customer call center services, public address system in the rail stations, ability to purchase fare media with a debit card, communications between the Bus and MetroAccess operations control centers and their vehicles, online MetroAccess reservation system, Metro web site, SmartBenefits download function, the HVAC and air handling system for Metro’s headquarters building, the HVAC system (which was not needed today) for three Metrorail stations (Gallery Place-Chinatown, Judiciary Square and Archives/Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter), Bus vehicle locator system, some internal telephones and customer comment/complaint tracking system.
“It was a single point of failure for a three-decades old power unit for which we do not have a back-up,” explained Metro Deputy General Manager Gerald Francis. “It reached the end of its life at 2:45 a.m. today.”
The part had recently been identified in a major risk assessment analysis and was identified as a part in critical need of replacement. “An interim fix is currently in place, however the permanent fix—replacement of the power distribution unit and other essential infrastructure equipment, will cost $14 million and is now one of our most urgent needs,” Francis said. Once the funds are in hand, the essential infrastructure equipment will improve the capacity to distribute power, improve the chilling/cooling capacity of the HVAC infrastructure, replace outdated old parts and replace a major generator. It will take approximately six months to fix once the money is in hand.
Media contact for this news release: 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.
News release issued at 4:52 pm, November 4, 2009.