WMATA

While many Metro customers have expressed dissatisfaction with recent service issues, Metro has also been applauded for providing consistent communication regarding issues that have taken place affecting service since Randy Clarke took over as General Manager/CEO on July 1st.

Per Metro: At approximately 7am on Wednesday morning, Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) identified an intermittent IT network connection issue that impacted communications between systems. Customers throughout the rail system were notified to expect delays and received notification through social, text, Web and Metro Alerts to allow for additional travel time while the issue was assessed. After further review, it was determined that the customer data feed was providing incorrect information to our passenger information system, trip planner and third party apps. The majority of customer trips remained on time throughout the morning, and Metro is currently running scheduled service on all rail lines.

Update per Metro (Monday, 8/1/22, 10am): Full Red Line train service has been restored between Farragut North & Van Ness. Crews have completed work after Saturday’s low-voltage cable incident. Trains will operate to all stations, every 10 min. Shuttle bus service remains in place for customers until 11am.

Sunday night at 10:41pm, Metro issued the following update: “Crews have been working continuously to make repairs, so service is restored between Farragut North & Van Ness in time for your morning commute. In the event there are any issues, we’ll have at least 40 shuttle buses ready to operate every 7-10 min.“

Per WMATA: An investigation by Metro’s safety department is ongoing, but Chief Safety Officer Theresa Impastato and Acting Chief Operations Officer Mike Hass have determined that there is no evidence a train was directed to perform a track inspection in an area where there was a report of smoke or fire.

A detailed review of multiple data recording sources along with employee statements, which are being shared with WMSC, revealed that within just two minutes of a fire alarm activating at a drainage pumping station near Dupont Circle, the Rail Operations Control Center attempted to contact train 108 to instruct the operator to hold at Woodley Park Station, however, contact with the train was not successful before the train departed. Shortly thereafter, the operator of train 108 communicated to the control center that he lost speed commands and the controller responded with a request for an inspection. Within moments, the operator reported that he saw sparks on the tunnel wall ahead and observed smoke. This report, along with a report from the station manager at DuPont Circle Station, were the first reports of smoke conditions. The operator immediately stopped his train before entering the incident area and was directed to reverse ends and take customers back to Woodley Park Station.

Per WMATA: Welcome news for customers who ride the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. As of Aug 1, trains will arrive every 15 minutes on weekdays, matching service on the Green and Yellow lines. For most customers, the wait for a train will be no longer than 5-8 minutes, as most stations are served by at least two if not all three lines.

“Improving service for customers is how we will restore the confidence of the National Capital Region,” said Randy Clarke, Metro general manager and chief executive officer. “Restoring 7K service frequency and providing even more improvements is my focus.”

Temporary MetroBus Detour: Fourth of July Celebration, Downtown DC Advisory Effective: 7/4/22 – 7/4/22 (Monday, July 4, 2022 | 3 am to 12 midnight) Routes Affected: 5A, 16E, 38B, 33, 32, 36, 42, 43, 52, 54, 64, 70,74, 79, 80, D4, D6, G8, L2,N6, P6, S2, X2

Program to enhance transparency and support of safety initiatives

Per WMATA: The Metro Transit Police Department will equip officers with body worn cameras (BWC), adding a new tool to MTPD’s crime fighting initiatives. The program is designed to create an additional layer of transparency for sworn officers who protect Metro customers and employees.

Per WMATA: As people across the region prepare to celebrate the Independence Day holiday, Metro is also preparing to get people to and from July Fourth activities and fireworks. Trains will operate regular weekday service on all lines, with supplemental service on the Red Line and trains positioned throughout the system to provide extra capacity when needed. 

Downtown where stations are served by multiple lines, as well as the Red Line, trains will arrive every 6-8 minutes. Off-peak fares will be in effect and parking will be free at all Metro parking facilities and garages.

Metro today announced on Friday that lower-priced unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus monthly passes are now on sale for travel beginning July 1, providing more flexibility and value to customers who may no longer be commuting five days a week. And beginning Monday, June 27, all customers traveling on Metrorail after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays will benefit from a flat fare of $2 per one-way trip. 

“As gas prices remain high and people continue to increase travel and commute to work more often, lowering the price of unlimited passes makes Metrorail and Metrobus an even more attractive option for work and pleasure travel throughout the region,” said Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “Metro is giving customers even more value with a flat Metrorail fare of $2 per one-way trip after 9:30 p.m. beginning Monday, June 27, providing a welcome savings to service workers and those using Metro to get to and from nightlife attractions across the region.”

Per WMATA: Metro took control of the Silver Line Extension today at 6:00 a.m. This milestone, known as the “Operational Readiness Date” (ORD), marks the point where provisional care and control of the Extension – including six new Silver Line stations, 11.4 miles of new track, and a new rail yard – is formally transferred from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to Metro.

The opening date for passenger service will follow an action by Metro’s Board of Directors on the final acceptance of the line from MWAA. “This milestone enables our team to test the tracks and systems, train and familiarize our workforce on yard operations, mainline and stations and ensure that we provide safe and reliable service for customers on the extension,” said Interim General Manager and CEO Andy Off. “We look forward to opening the new stations soon and delivering high quality rail connections to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County.”