(Photo by Rudi Riet)

More than five hours after Metro Transit Police got to work on clearing away smoke from a burning cable in a tunnel near the McPherson Square Metro stop, the transit system is still in a state of disarray.

Orange and Blue line trains are single tracking between Smithsonian and Foggy Bottom, and Silver Line trains are only operating from Wiehle-Reston East to Ballston. Still, that’s an improvement from earlier, when trains were skipping several major stations, including McPherson Square, Farragut West, Smithsonian, and Federal Triangle (depending on the direction).

Metro is still investigating the cause of the fire, according to spokesman Richard Jordan.

As for restitution? It is rare, but not unheard of, for WMATA to issue large-scale refunds after a case of widespread disorder in the system (the last time they did so was when a train derailment caused significant service disruptions in August). In this case, though, they will still be handled on a case-by-case basis.

“We were able to communicate to riders earlier enough to make alternate plans,” Jordan said. Those affected can call 202-637-1328 to individually request their money back.

WMATA plans to release information about plans for the afternoon rush by noon.

Until then, relive the colorful commentary and tales of commutes up to three hours.

#WMATA FAILS @Metrorailinfo I’ve been on 3 different trains from Clarendon 2 Foggy Bottom since the trains keep offloading! ? @unsuckdcmetro

— Aurora Paik (@aurorzzz) March 14, 2016

Here’s how bad the OR line commute was this AM rush. (via https://t.co/6igmi6xYMW) #WMATA #dcmetro pic.twitter.com/c5q5fKMjd8

— MetroHero (@dcmetrohero) March 14, 2016

DC metro is an embarrassment to the Distric!! @wmata @ pic.twitter.com/cYQRszCBms

— Johab Silva (@johabsilva) March 14, 2016

To be honest, ~$4 for a 3 hour commute isn’t bad. Just a shame when it’s only supposed to be 20 minutes. #wmata @unsuckdcmetro

— Hoya Vey (@HoyaVey) March 14, 2016

2+ hours commuting and I’m nowhere near my office. Best commute ever! #WMATA

— Jennifer Hess (@lastnightsdinnr) March 14, 2016

anyone put the #wmata in rice yet?

— Not Rie (@jedijzmne) March 14, 2016

A few people reported delayed meetings.

Staff meeting postponed due to @wmata delays this morning. I’m following the situation closely.

— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) March 14, 2016

Our office is not yet open this morning due to @wmata commuting delays. We hope to open within the hour. Send questions by email.

— Congressional Award (@theaward) March 14, 2016

But hey, at least some folks had a good morning: ride-hailing drivers.

Current #dc @Uber surge: pic.twitter.com/VR4tpJGG88

— Lauren Baker (@DCDigitalBaker) March 14, 2016