WASHINGTON -- Injuries to Metro passengers decreased from July 2007 to March 2008, Metro officials announced on Tuesday.

Metro said escalator injuries are down 50 percent, rail passenger injuries are down 44 percent and bus passenger injuries are down 18 percent.

Officials also said there have been fewer track fires and smoke incidents.

Fires are down 43 percent and smoke incidents are down 5 percent. Metro said debris catchers and extra trash receptacles are the reason for the decrease.

Metro introduced a safety improvement program in May 2007 with the goal of cutting accidents and injuries in half in five years.