WMATA

This week, Metro installed the first automated inspection system to test wheelsets of the 7000-series railcars in real-time. The schedule to restore the fleet to passenger service later this summer remains on time.  With the first installation now complete, engineers will begin configuration, testing, and commissioning of the system.

Last month, Metro started the process to review with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission the key components of its return to service plan. The plan includes new inspection procedures and trainings to guide Metro staff to safely inspect and maintain the 7000-series railcars when they return to service later this summer.

On Monday night, Metro GM Paul Wiedefeld’s made the decision to make his retirement effective immediately, rather than June 30th as originally planned. The decision comes on the heels of the news that about 250 Metro operators need recertification, including 72 who were pulled after certification lapsed a year ago. His replacement, Randy Clarke, will start on July 1st. Andy Off will be the interim GM/CEO in this transitional period, and yesterday he released the following statement:

Paul J. Wiedefeld originally announced his retirement in January, effective June 30. According to DCist, his salary was $527,000, which was over $125,000 more than the next best-paid transit CEO. His replacement, Randy Clarke, will start on July 1st, at a salary of $485,000. Andy Off will be the interim GM/CEO in this transitional period.

WMATA’s announcement of Randy Clarke being brought in as WMATA’s new GM/CEO: WMATA’s Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of its new General Manager/CEO who will transform the agency and redefine how Metro continues to be an integrated part of the region’s success. Randy Clarke, the current President and CEO of Capital Metro (CapMetro) in Austin, TX, will begin his new position at WMATA late summer and was selected following an exhaustive nationwide search, which included important stakeholder and public input.

Per WMATA: Metro’s Chief Safety Officer reports that nearly half of Metro’s 500 rail operators have lapsed recertification, which includes classroom instruction, and supervised testing in the rail yards as well as on the mainline.

In consultation with the Board of Directors, Metro management is taking immediate corrective action to remove from service 72 train operators who became out of compliance prior to May 2021. This will result in a temporary reduction in Green and Yellow line service from every 15 minutes to every 20 minutes due to an operator shortage. In addition, extra trains to relieve crowding, support special events, or replace out-of-service trains may not be available. Service impacts are expected to continue until the end of May.

Metrobus leads in Covid performance rebound

Per WMATA: Metro ridership is outpacing projections through the first three quarters of fiscal year 2022 by nearly 40 percent.  Through March, ridership has exceeded the initial forecast by 28 million passenger trips as more people chose bus and rail for travel throughout the region.  Metrobus leads the way, accounting for 60 percent of overall Metro ridership, compared to about 40 percent for rail.

New details of Metro’s Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan, presented at last week’s meeting of the Board of Directors, outlines how the agency will transition to a zero-emission bus fleet including testing and evaluation, infrastructure and facility upgrades, and procurement efforts. 

Metro last week announced new safety initiatives to engage the community, target enforcement efforts and increase police visibility on buses, trains and in stations. 

Per Metro: Under the leadership of Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Anzallo, MTPD has developed a three-pillar approach to invest resources in the community: education, outreach and enforcement. This approach uses a “problem solving police strategy” focused on identifying the underlying issues that may lead to crime, developing solutions and prevention.

Metro announced yesterday that masks have been made optional, effective immediately.

Per WMATA:

On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 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.

Metro removed all 7000-series railcars, roughly 60 percent of its fleet, from passenger service.

Capital construction advances at record levels

Metro’s Board of Directors today voted to approve a $4.5B package of service and construction projects that delivers affordability, service and safety as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget. Highlights include cheaper late-night and weekend fares, maintaining service improvements especially for bus customers, and funding for the Silver Line Phase 2 service and the Potomac Yard Station. The budget also funds Metro’s capital program which has improved safety and reliability across the system.