D.C. Metro Crash Accountability: Farewell John Catoe

Ever since the deadly Fort Totten Metro train crash of June 22, 2009, public scrutiny of Metro's operations has increased. Prior crashes, injuries and even deaths that were successfully glossed over or minimized, suddenly came back into view.

Context is important and near misses and failed safety incidents predating June 22, 2009, became ominous portents when viewed in retrospect. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/fort-totten-metro-crash-opens-public-disclosures-of-problems.cfm

The bottom-line, Metro was not nearly as safe as it had seemed. Soon heads began to roll. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-crash-train-operator-fired.cfm

Train operators were fired or suspended from operating trains. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-near-miss-from-our-blogs-to-their-ears.cfm

Safety officials were fired and now Metro General Manager, John Catoe, has resigned. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/14/AR2010011402917.html

Will his resignation make any difference? That answer is maybe yes and maybe no.

Yes, if his departure allows Metro to get a fresh start and become transparent as to past mistakes and problems which to this point have been swept under the rug or denied.

No, if his departure simply results in an attitude of "phew that nit-wit is gone business as usual."