Nearly Normal Rail Service Monday for Most Lines as Track Repairs and Brake inspections Continue Following Friday’s Derailment

Per WMATA: Most Metrorail customers will see nearly normal train service tomorrow, even as Metro continues to inspect the fleet’s oldest railcars. Metro will operate service to all customers (every 6-12 minutes from end-of-line stations); however Blue and Yellow line trains will depart every 15 minutes while work continues to repair tracks damaged in Friday’s derailment. Track repairs are proceeding around the clock to replace components of the damaged tracks at National Airport.

The investigation into the derailment continues, but Metro found that the wheel measurements on the 7000-series train were consistent with its specifications and there were no apparent track or infrastructure defects, as a preliminary matter.NMetro investigators, who are coordinating with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, continue to focus on a disc brake that came loose from a train ahead as a causal factor.

Following yesterday’s order from Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke to remove all 2000- and 3000-series railcars from service, mechanical teams have inspected 102 cars and identified 32 with non-conforming bolts. “We continue to act quickly on information as it develops to ensure safe and reliable train operations for our customers and employees,” said Clarke. “I am proud of the team for delivering solid service while tackling this challenge with our 35-year-old equipment.”

The 2000- and 3000-series cars, built in the mid 1980’s are reaching the end of their useful life and are scheduled to be replaced by new 8000-series railcars.