The Washington Metro system is extremely convenient except when it isn’t and last week it wasn’t. Two fires, a derailment, problems on tracks, and that doesn’t count the blackout downtown. “The rail system, which opened in 1976, has reached the point where many components must be refurbished or replaced, and the strains are showing,” reports the Washington Post. Governments here in North Carolina have put off not maintained their schools, roads, or water systems. Why should we expect Charlotte or others to do a better job maintaining their light rail systems? Singapore has two private companies running its mass transit buses and trains.