nocellphone2, I have to agree with you, this is a first! I realize that a large amount of the Metro system is above ground and therefore more vulnerable to the elements, but "leaves on the tracks?" Come on! What next, slowing the trains when the humidity gets above 50 percent? Or maybe at high tide on the Potomac? The Metro system is getting to be a complete joke, anymore.

It's really hard to fathom this story or excuse from metro. In the past 20 years of metro services, I have never heard of them explaining a slow down of train movement due to leaves and dew. There is more dew in the summer time and grass when mowed I'm sure that blows onto the raails. Oh wait, I forgot, the rails stretch and bend due to excessive heat. Are they going to shut down all outdoor rail movement when a flurry enters the metro area next week? I understand the safety factor in all bits of travel and especially when dealing with lives and heavy equipment, but come on. I think there is way more behind this story than most folks know. Let's see if deductive reasoning kicks in here- if there are reduced speeds on most of the track, there will less trains on the tracks due to the slow movement, meaning that many less trains leaving the stations. No drivers needed. That saves money and inconviences the rush hour folks who depend on leaving the station every five to ten minutes. Hummmmm. Who is pocketing the extra dough? it's certainly not going toward mainatentance of the stations.