WASHINGTON - Metro says it has made temporary repairs to all of its communications and farecard systems that were knocked out of service when an overnight power problem took out a data center.

Metro said the 27-year-old power distribution unit had been previously identified as a "part in critical need of replacement."

"It was something old," Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said. "It was something that had been previously identified as needing to be upgraded. It was on the list. Unfortunately it failed before we were able to address it. "

The unit failed at 2:45 a.m., knocking out a data center that controls Metro's Web site, its NextBus, SmartBenefits, and e-alert systems, some bus communications, and credit and debit card farecard machines. That meant problems for many morning commuters.

Bisola Ojikutu had to use cash to buy a farecard when she learned she couldn't use her debit or credit card. "Obviously it's not working and obviously it's putting me behind in my schedule," she said. "It was hugely frustrating and I'd really rather not use my cash; I'd rather use my credit card."

Nancy Adams tried twice this morning to use her credit card on her round trip from Rockville to downtown D.C "I think I'm glad I had some cash with me today, which I don't always carry," she said. "Otherwise I would've been stranded."

"I guess a lot of frustration is going to be occuring over today and tomorrow, whenever they get this fixed," said Robert Simmons.

An iPhone screen capture of the incapacitated NextBus system.

Metro gradually restored the systems throughout the day, with all service restored by 5 p.m., according to a news release.

The reservation and dispatch systems for MetroAccess also went down. Service was restored about 10 a.m., according to Metro.

Some bus drivers had no working radios until 10 a.m., when that problem was fixed. All phones at Metro's downtown D.C. headquarters were also not working.

Riders were surprised that a computer failure could cause such a communications breakdown.

"The idea of so much could go down and be affected by one thing. It's like, huh?" said Robin Phillips,

"I'm hoping the folks at Metro will be looking into it and trying to rectify it as soon as possible," said Kia Braxton.

Farbstein said the power distribution unit is now being upgraded. She added that there was no problem with rail system and its communications because it is served by a separate power distribution system.

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