A new report from Metro’s inspector general found that the appearance of stations and facilities in the transit system was “mostly positive,” though inspectors did find feces in a parking garage, vomit at a bus stop, and one dead bird.

The report, which aimed to get a sense of how clean stations are as riders return to the system, also found other issues like overflowing trash cans and weeds growing outside. Inspectors also identified safety and security concerns, though those were redacted from the report.

Inspectors checked out 17 stations, bus loops, and garages last August.

“Station appearance impacts customers’ impression of the WMATA system,” the report says. “As customers return to the Metro system at increased rates, a clean and safe environment promotes a positive image for WMATA and helps build customer confidence; it is important that WMATA continue to ensure that all stations are clean and safe for those riding the Metro system.”

Inspectors found:

• Fourteen stations had debris and trash in the trackbeds, which are a potential fire hazard if they come in contact with the electrified third rail.
• Most of the parking garages were in good condition, but one had construction material, an open ladder, broken chairs, and feces on the floor.
• In nine stations the IG found eight elevators and 15 escalators out of service. Some escalators lacked or had faint yellow markings on the stairs.
• One station had a roof leak that left a wet area on the floor that was not cordoned off.
• Cracked tiles and dirty benches on platforms.
• Weeds were growing on two of the outdoor platforms.
• At a station entrance at McPherson Square and in a Huntington garage stairwell, they found two people sleeping.
• A digital message board wasn’t working at Huntington.
• Abandoned bikes with rusty locks and flat tires.

The Office of the Inspector General received seven complaints on station cleanliness between March 2020 and August 2021.

Former Metro Chief Operating Officer Joe Leader wrote in a letter to the IG that many of the issues found were addressed through routine cleaning, landscaping, and maintenance activities. “Metro is developing a policy to address abandoned bicycles and issuing a safety/security awareness bulletin to staff reminding them to keep all station ancillary room doors closed,” Leader wrote.

Metro says designated employees provide custodial and landscaping services and are supplemented by contracted workers, but the IG says the contractor often couldn’t fill all the shifts.

Leader also noted that station managers are responsible for submitting tickets for any issues and many identified in the report were addressed.

The report is dated Dec. 8, 2021, but was only presented to the Metro board on Thursday. It’s unclear why the report took so long to get reviewed by the board. In March, the board did not renew the contract of previous inspector general Geoff Cherrington. Interim Inspector General Rene Febles presented the report on Thursday.