Metro Board Chairman Defends Authority's Efforts

Metro Board Chairman Jim Graham said the transit authority has been working aggressively to replace the 1000 series rail cars, the type that made up the train that struck another train yesterday. He said Metro identified the need to replace those cars and has been "relentless" in seeking funding.

Rail cars cost about $3 million each, he said. "We need about a billion dollars to replace them," he said of the 1000 series fleet, the oldest in the transit system. In the meantime, Metro has been taking "all reasonable steps" to keep the cars in good working condition.

The Metro board approved a resolution to direct the general manager to establish a $250,000 fund to provide immediate relief to victims of the crash and their families, and directed the general manager to set criteria for determining those expenses. Graham said this is strictly to deal with immediate needs.