7000-Series Return to Service Update
- On December 14, Metro is informed by the WMSC (Washington Metrorail Safety Commission) that it has no technical objections to the final plan submitted to gradually return nearly half of the 7000-series railcars to passenger service with the metered release of no more than 336 railcars.
Advisory Effective: 10/18/21 – 12/31/21
Pet Metro:
Metrorail service* will operate as follows:
- Red Line trains run every 12 minutes
- Green Line and Yellow Line trains run every 20 minutes
- Blue Line, Orange Line, and Silver Line trains run every 24 minutes
- Silver Line service has resumed between Wiehle-Reston East and Largo Town Center
*Service subject to change due to scheduled maintenance and track work.
View the weekday and weekend service advisories for scheduled service adjustments.
Metro will continue to operate at reduced service levels through at least December 31 and will advise the public of any additional service improvements should more trains become available.
Metro’s trip planner has been updated to reflect the latest service schedule. Customers are also encouraged to use the live train map to see the locations of trains on each line. In-station next train signs (Passenger Information Displays) are providing accurate train arrival estimates.
Metro continues to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and NTSB and as more information develops, we will update the public about service. Continue to visit wmata.com and follow us on social @metrorailinfo and @metrobusinfo for the most up-to-date information.
Actions Taken
On Wednesday, October 13, Metro began working with NTSB and the WMSC to determine the cause of the Blue Line derailment at Arlington Cemetery; that investigation is still ongoing.
Because safety remains our number one priority, we have removed all 7000-series railcars, roughly 60 percent of our fleet, from passenger service.
- On October 28, wheelset inspections were completed on all 7000-series railcars.
- On November 4, Metro submitted a test plan to the WMSC for acceptance. [Read test plan letter]
- On November 8, Metro began testing two weighted 7000-series trains in the system to determine inspection intervals.
- On November 17, Metro demonstrates wheelset measurements inspections [Watch Wheelset Inspection Video]
- On December 14, Metro is informed by the WMSC that it has no technical objections to the final plan submitted to gradually return nearly half of the 7000-series railcars to passenger service with the metered release of no more than 336 railcars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Background: On Wednesday, October 13, Metro, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) launched an investigation into the Blue Line derailment that occurred on Tuesday, October 12, between Rosslyn and Arlington Cemetery Stations.
The investigation is ongoing, and the following questions provide the most up-to-date information to ensure the public is informed.
'
