WMATA to put additional trains into service starting Nov. 1

Nov. 1, 2021

While service remains reduced, the additional trains will allow Silver Line trains to run the full length of the line.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail riders will continue to see reduced service on the system through at least Nov. 15. However, the addition of seven extra trains starting Monday, Nov. 1, will mean Silver Line riders will now be able to travel the entire length of the line.

WMATA’s rail fleet was reduced by nearly 60 percent following an Oct. 12 derailment, in which all 7000-series cars were pulled from service. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission ordered WMATA to pull the 7000-series cars after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) initially determined the car involved in the derailment had a fourth axle that was out of compliance with specifications for the 7000-series car wheel and axle assembly. Additionally, similar defects were found in 7000-series cars not involved in the derailment. NTSB has not determined this to be the probable cause of the accident and continues to investigate.

WMATA explains it had 32 trains operating on Friday and will add seven additional train sets starting Nov. 1.

With 39 trains in service, WMATA will operate:

Red Line Trains every 15-20 minutes.
Blue Line Orange Line Trains every 30-40 minutes.
Silver Line Train every 30-40 minutes, with full service operating between Wiehle-Reston East and Largo Town Center.
Green Line Trains every 20 minutes.
Yellow Line Trains every 30-40 minutes.

“Our rail maintenance crews are working hard to get more trains into service so that customers don’t have to wait as long to get where they need to go,” said WMATA General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore more service in the coming weeks and continue to develop plans for inspections to return our 7000-series railcar fleet to service.”

On Oct. 28, Wiedefeld said WMATA completed inspection of all 748 7000-series cars and was working with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission on a testing plan that would allow the trains to return to service.

The additional trains that enter service on Monday morning are part of WMATA’s plan to bring older model 2000- and 3000-series trains out of storage and return more 6000-series trains.

WMATA notes it restored power to the Shady Grove Yard and began inspecting additional railcars to prepare them for service on Oct. 28. The yard has been cut off due to the Rockville Canopy Replacement project and getting those railcars out will require additional work to remove construction staging and equipment.

Wiedefeld said last week WMATA is working to have 50 trains available for Metrorail service.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.