Metro officials say they need $489 million for urgent work to repair worn equipment, fix deteriorating infrastructure and improve rail car safety.

About half of that total is needed for projects that need to be completed in the next two years for Metro to continue to operate safely.

The highest priorities include the replacement of work track fasteners and corroded cables and the repair of crumbling concrete platforms.

For example, the platform at the Shady Grove Metro Station recently needed to be propped up with two-by-fours. It's a temporary fix that shows the desperately needed infrastructure repairs and a lack of adequate funding to get the job done right.

Officials say passenger safety is not at immediate risk.

Metro General Manager John Catoe says transit agency employees are trying to prioritize the projects and determine whether funds earmarked for less urgent projects can be used.

As for finding the money to do the work, Metro leaders plan to make their case to congress for federal funds. Metro is the nation's only major transit agency without a significant source of dedicated funding.

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