Metro 7000-Series Trains Making Comeback

Per WMATA: Metro is returning more of its newest, most reliable trains to service starting Sept. 12. This marks a significant step in the restoration of all 7000-series railcars, which is key to Metro’s plan to improve train frequency for customers. With the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission’s approval, Metro’s updated return to service plan allows the agency to safely operate up to 20 of its 7000-series trains per day, up from the current limit of eight trains.

“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 Randy Clarke, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. “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.”

According to the return to service plan, the new process introduced over the summer, allowed Metro to inspect 234 cars 24,000 times. The updated return to service plan was developed based on data analysis accumulated from more than 860,000 miles of train travel, roughly the equivalent of 13,438 trips around the Beltway. While no returned 7000-series trains have failed daily back-to-back measurements, Metro is also working to develop drive-thru technology on the tracks which would stream real-time data about all railcars. Any railcar with wheel measurement changes will be removed from the fleet.

Metro’s newest railcars are built safer than the older cars in use. The 7000-series meet the industry’s state-of–the-art design standards for crashworthiness, have interior design features that prevent injuries and have cameras on board for added security. The 7000-series are nearly four times less likely to become disabled than older cars, reducing the risk of evacuation, which creates a hazard for slips, trips, and falls – the most common cause of transit passenger injuries.

Metro will announce new schedules next week for all rail lines. For customers who may be returning to Metro this fall and have questions about the service, Metro recently extended its customer service hours to provide more real-time information online or by phone Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Metro’s customer service team responds to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram social posts, emails and chat conversations. Customers also can get assistance with trip planning by calling 202-637-7000 or visiting wmata.com.