Hmm, I use the Metro rail and bus service pretty frequently as I have the misfortune of living in DC, and while it's not up to snuff with Tokyo or Hong Kong, I don't notice many of the issues you've pointed out. Maybe the 3 years I endured in NYC have inured me to minor inconveniences and filth.

In re driving in DC being better than Metro, are you kidding? Have you tried driving and parking here?

Btw, this should likely be in the DC forum.