Issues with DC Metro Expected to Extend Into Next Week

October 22, 2021 by Dan McCue
Issues with DC Metro Expected to Extend Into Next Week
In this April 23, 2021 file photo, a train arrives at Metro Center station in Washington. Washington’s regional Metro system abruptly pulled more than half its fleet of trains from service early Monday morning over a lingering problem with the wheels and axles that caused a dramatic derailing last week. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

WASHINGTON — DC Metro trains will continue to run on a reduced schedule through Halloween, the system’s general manager, Paul Wiedefeld, said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters during a briefing, Wiedefeld encouraged commuters to use Metro buses as an alternative “where it makes sense for them.”

The rail system has been effectively offline since a derailment of a Blue Line train last week.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commision ordered all 748 of the state’s 7000-series rail cars — about 60% of its fleet — to be taken out of service.

Metrorail has been running with reduced service and longer wait times ever since.

Wiedefeld  told reporters there currently is no timetable for putting the 7000-series cars back in service.

“Please know we are working to restore full service on the system as quickly as possible, but will only do so when it is safe to do so,” he said.

Until things get back to normal:

  • Red Line trains will depart every 15 to 20 minutes. Waits could be up to 30 minutes;
  • Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green lines will have trains departing every 20 to 30 minutes. Waits could be up to 40 minutes.

Wiedefeld said in addition to identifying the cause of the derailment, which caused no injuries, the rail system is developing an enhanced processing mechanism to ensure that only cars that pass inspection are ready to return to service.

Officials have yet to publicly identify the cause of the derailment, citing an ongoing federal investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

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