Additional 7000-series trains returning to Metrorail service September 12

Sept. 6, 2022

With the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission’s approval, WMATA will return up to 20 7000-series trains to daily service.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

Two 7000-series trains at WMATA's Navy Yard station; up to 20 7000-series trains will be entering daily service starting Sept. 12 under an updated return to service plan.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will be able to return up to 20 of its 7000-series trains to daily service starting Sept. 12, under an updated return to service plan that has been approved by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC). The updated return to service plan was developed based on data analysis accumulated during the first phase of the 7000-series trains service reentry, which includes an accumulation of more than 860,000 miles of train travel.

The increased number of trains marks the start of the second phase of WMATA’s return to service for the 7000-series fleet; the first phase saw up to eight trains enter daily service. The third phase will be determined by WMATA and approved by WMSC at a later date.

Phase One saw nightly inspections of the trains and Phase Two will implement a four-day inspection interval. WMATA reports it inspected 234 cars 24,000 times during the summer and the return to service plan says the authority has 56,000 data points for back-to-back and journal bearing gap with no measured failures or observable movement.

WMATA installed the first automated inspection system this spring. The authority intends to install six of these systems to inspect wheelsets of its 7000-series railcars in real time. WMATA says any railcar with wheel measurement changes would be removed from the fleet.

“Our 7000-series trains are the newest and most reliable in Metro’s fleet, and they are key to providing the level of service our customers want and deserve,” said WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “In my frequent conversations with Metro customers, I hear over and over that more frequent service and more 7000-series trains on the tracks are a top priority, and that’s what we’re working to deliver. We appreciate the partnership of WMSC in our shared efforts to improve service for the region.”

The return of more 7000-series trains will also mean improved train frequency for Metrorail customers. WMATA released updated service times on Sept. 6. Lines are currently running service every 10-15 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes during the weekends on the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines. Starting Sept. 12, service will operate daily at every eight minutes on the Green Line, every 10 minutes on the Red Line and every 15 minutes on the Orange, Silver and Blue Lines.

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.