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Metro to Reopen Shady Grove and Rockville Stations on January 16

Per WMATA/Metro:

December 7, 2021:
Metro today announced that Shady Grove and Rockville stations will reopen on January 16, 2022, after a four-month shutdown for the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project. During the closures, Metro demolished the canopy at Rockville Station, erected a new steel canopy structure, and completed customer improvements– including installation of new information screens, brighter lighting, and modern faregates.

In addition, Metro teams are using the shutdown to perform track repairs that will improve service reliability and install more than 7.3 miles of fiber optic cable to enhance radio communications. Without the station closures, these upgrades alone would have required nine months of weekend shutdowns and overnight work.

The final stage of the canopy project – installing glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels on the canopy’s steel structure – will not be complete when the stations reopen. In January, the canopy will provide cover for customers but will remain temporarily unfinished until Metro determines the best type of exterior cladding needed to complete the project.

“Shady Grove and Rockville stations will be ready to welcome back Red Line customers for rail service on January 16,” said Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Our project team continues working to ensure the completed canopy meets Metro’s quality standard and provides customers with a safe and comfortable place to wait for the train.”

The interim canopy at Rockville Station will include brighter LED lighting, new Passenger Information Displays (PIDS), higher quality PSA speakers, and new CCTV cameras. Metro and its contractor are working quickly to develop a permanent solution for the canopy and will communicate additional details when available.

At Rockville Station, the Park & Ride is fully repaved to provide customers with safer and more accessible parking, new faregates are installed in the mezzanine, and the Rockville Pedestrian Bridge rehabilitation is complete. At Shady Grove Station, the platform canopy, roof, and escalators are being repaired and modernized faregates are being installed.

The closure also allowed Metro to perform safety-critical work on the tracks between Shady Grove and Rockville including repairs to the signal system, track maintenance, third-rail power cable inspections and repairs, and switch machine replacement.

“Metro’s capital program is focused on maintaining and improving the system for decades to come, including our rail stations and facilities,” said Wiedefeld. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we ensure our long-term plans for Rockville Station meet quality and safety standards.”

About the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project

Metro’s Rockville Canopy Replacement Project will replace the aging canopy structure over the platform at Rockville Station and make additional customer improvements. Free shuttle bus service will remain available until the stations reopen on January 16, 2022. More information is available at wmata.com/rockvillecanopy.

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Update: Metro Approves Changing White Flint Metro Station Name to “North Bethesda”

12/9/21 Update: Metro has unanimously approved changing the White Flint Metro Station name to “North Bethesda.”

Metro’s board of directors will vote Thursday, December 9, on a proposal to rename the White Flint Metro station “North Bethesda,” per Friends of White Flint.

A social media post on the Friends of White Flint Facebook page states that, “Metro’s staff is recommending to its board of directors to approve the name change. In writing why they acknowledged that currently North Bethesda does not have much of a “sense of place.”

“That said, noteworthy developments such as Pike & Rose have started to adapt the namesake into their branding and identify as being located in the city of North Bethesda. We will continue to see this take hold throughout the county. Should the Board wish to approve the jurisdiction’s request, it is likely that the new name will become synonymous with the surrounding community over time and customers will find it sufficient for wayfinding.”

Friends of White Flint, Councilmember Andrew Friedson, and County Executive Marc Elrich have led the charge to change the station’s name.

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Metro Announces it Will Extend Reduced Service Levels Through December 31

Service to improve gradually as parts arrive to repair legacy cars 

Per WMATA:
Metro customers can expect to see current (reduced) rail service levels through December 31, Metro announced today.

With no timeline established to return the 7000-series fleet in the interest of safety, and 6000-series railcars awaiting parts due to global supply chain challenges, incremental service improvements will be made during December as parts arrive for older model railcars.
“As we get more parts, we will return more of the 6000-series railcars to service for our customers during December,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld. “While we know service is not as frequent as customers would prefer, we will add each train as it becomes available to help incrementally improve service reliability and frequency.”
Nearly 75 percent of Metrorail stations have trains arriving at least every 10-12 minutes, as many stations are served by multiple lines. More frequent service depends upon available railcars meeting safety standards, while Metro continues to test new inspection protocols for its newest 7000-series railcars, which were sidelined in October.
Testing to confirm that the new inspection intervals are sufficient to safely return the trains to passenger service is ongoing this month. Engineers, safety and operations teams are preparing return to service and mobilization plans to reposition more than 748, 7000-series railcars. The railcars that have been in storage will need to be prepared for service and inspected more frequently once they are back in passenger service.
“This is a monumental undertaking that is being performed on parallel tracks to ensure that we have as little down time as possible between testing and remobilizing the fleet,” Wiedefeld said. “We are intentionally not setting deadlines so that safety and good data drive our decisions, but we are mindful that customers want the best service we can provide as soon as we can deliver it, and we are committed to building back up in phases.”
Metro typically experiences lower ridership around the holidays and is still operating with 70 percent fewer riders on average weekdays as the region recovers from the pandemic. Before the pandemic, rush-hour trains often carried approximately 100-120 passengers per car at their busiest points, and today trains are less crowded, with 50-80 passengers average per car.
The rail service outlook for January 2022 will depend upon the successful completion of the 7000-series test plan and restoration plan – both of which require acceptance from Washington Metrorail Safety Commission – and the operational plan to remobilize the fleet for passenger service. Metro expects to update its service plans before the end of the calendar year.
Metro also is using this time to prepare for the launch of Silver Line phase two service, as testing, training personnel and resources are required to ramp up for the expected start of passenger service in 2022.
To communicate service updates, Metro provides updates to federal, state and local elected officials and their staffs, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, business organizations and other jurisdictional partners. Customers also can find the latest service information through website updates, social media posts, digital signage, in-station audio announcements, and alerts.
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11/17 Update: Metro Will Continue to Operate at Reduced Levels Through at Least November 30th

Metrorail Service & Derailment Investigation Update

Advisory Effective: 10/18/21 – 11/30/21

Per WMATA:

As of Wednesday, November 17, 2021 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

Metro will continue to operate at reduced service levels through at least November 30 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.

As Metro continues to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and NTSB and more information develops, we will update the public about service.

Need additional information? Message Customer Care, Monday through Friday, 7am-7pm, through Twitter @Metrorailinfo or Live Chat

Watch a collection of recorded media briefings on our YouTube page.

 

Actions Taken

WMATA started working with NTSB and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission last week 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 from service to properly inspect the fleet.

These actions are being taken out of an abundance of caution.

  • We understand the impact this decision has on transportation for the DMV area (National Capital Region). We apologize for this reduction in service and the inconvenience this is causing our customers.
  • As customers experience delays and full rail cars during their commute, please know we have made a concerted effort to improve airflow. Face masks continue to be required throughout the system, and Metrorail cars recycle the air approximately every three minutes
  • We want the public to know we are committed to their safety and will continue to release updates as we receive them.

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.

When will the 7000-series rail cars return to service?
After completing a full inspection of the 7000-series rail car fleet, Metro has been working with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) and 7000-series manufacturer Kawasaki on a test plan that will bring Metro one step closer to safety returning these cars to passenger service. Metro started this process by submitting a formal letter presenting a test plan to the WMSC on November 4; read a copy of the letter.
 
Why is the Blue Line investigation still ongoing?
The Blue Line investigation will continue until Metro and our safety partners understand the full extent of the October 12 derailment, and begin to determine what actions are needed to prevent a similar incident from occurring. Metro, NTSB, FTA and WMSC are all committed to safety. Anytime a rail or bus incident occurs, Metro investigates the cause to determine what steps are needed to improve the system and ensure our customers’ safety. In this incident, NTSB is the lead investigative agency.
Why are other organizations involved in the investigation?
NTSB, WMSC and FTA have jurisdiction over investigations and safety practices that govern our operations. All participating agencies have a vested interest in understanding the root cause of this incident and ensuring changes are implemented to uphold the integrity of the system.
What has the investigation revealed?
While the investigation is ongoing, the wheel assembly on our 7000-series railcars is suspected to be a factor in the October 12 derailment, an issue WMATA had been working with Kawasaki, maker of the 7000-series cars, to resolve since 2017.
When did the 7000-series car enter Metro’s fleet?
There are a total of 748 7000-series railcars. The first four pilot railcars were delivered to Metro on January 6, 2014. The first 7000-series trains went into service on April 14, 2015. The last railcars were delivered February 26, 2020.
How often did Metro conduct inspections of the 7000-series car?
Metro’s 7000-series railcars are inspected on an ongoing basis as part of our preventive maintenance program. Over a four-year period, thousands of inspections were conducted. In any instances when wheelsets were found out of tolerance, the trainset was removed from service and the wheelsets were replaced before the cars were put back in passenger service.
What are you doing to ensure the 7000-series rail car is safe?
We have pulled all the 7000-series railcars from service and completed an inspection of the entire fleet – 748 cars. We continue to work with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) and 7000-series manufacturer Kawasaki to resolve any wheel tolerance issues and safely return these cars to passenger service.
What did the inspections find?
The 7000-series inspections took a week and a half. Of the approximate 3,000 axels wheels inspected, we found 20 axles to be out of alignment. On November 4, Metro has submitted to the WMSC a test plan that will safely release the 7000-series rail cars back into passenger service.
Is it safe to ride Metro?
Yes, it is safe to ride Metro. Our actions are evidence that we put safety first.
Will there continue to be delays in service?
As the investigation continues, customers can expect less frequent service since less than 40 percent of Metro’s fleet is operating. Rail is running every 12-30-minutes until otherwise stated. We will continue to keep customers updated on information related to rail and bus services at the top of this page.
How can I find the most up-to-date information?
Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts text or email messages to receive the latest service information, follow us on Twitter @MetrorailInfo, message Customer Care @Metrorailinfo or Live Chat from 7am-7pm, or check the weekday Metrorail service adjustments on wmata.com.
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Traffic and Metro Advisory: River Road Blocked, Red Line Alert

12:10pm: NB I270 between Falls Road and Route 28, collision, some lanes blocked

11:55pm: TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Georgia Avenue at Blue Ridge (Wheaton) has only one lane open, following a collision. Drivers should expect delays and seek alternate routes.

10:45 am: TRAFFIC ADVISORY from Montgomery County Police:

Multiple vehicle collisions has River Road blocked at Western and Brookdale. Drivers should expect delays and seek alternate routes.

Red Line Alert: Trains are single tracking between Glenmont & Forest Glen due to an animal on the tracks outside Wheaton. Expect delays in both directions.

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Metro Will Continue to Operate at Reduced Levels Through at Least November 30th

Metrorail Service & Derailment Investigation Update

Advisory Effective: 10/18/21 – 11/30/21

As of Monday, November 8, 2021 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 30 minutes
  • Silver Line service has resumed between Wiehle-Reston East and Largo Town Center

Metro will continue to operate at reduced service levels through at least November 30 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.

As Metro continues to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and NTSB and more information develops, we will update the public about service.

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Metro Service Update: Train Frequencies Improve on Red and Yellow Lines

According to a press release from Metro, train frequencies on the red and yellow lines have improved.

The release can be seen below:

Today Metrorail service improved on the Red Line with trains arriving every 12 minutes, down from 15 minutes, and Yellow Line service improved with trains every 20 minutes, down from 30 minutes.

Blue, Orange, and Silver line trains continue to operate every 30 minutes, and Green Line trains are operating every 20 minutes. At stations served by more than one line, trains arrive every 10-15 minutes. Metro will continue to improve service as crews work to make more railcars available.
Most trains are operating with six cars. Customers can expect to see some eight-car trains in service to alleviate crowding when railcar availability allows.
Also today, Metro began testing two 7000-series trains in the system. The eight-car test trains are stopping at stations but are not in passenger service.
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Purple Line Selects Partner to Complete Purple Line Construction

The Purple Line has selected a partner to complete construction. Construction is not expected to begin until spring 2022.

More info available in the full press release below:

Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP), in close partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), has selected Maryland Transit Solutions (MTS) to complete the Purple Line.

The comprehensive and joint PLTP-MDOT MTA evaluation selected MTS, comprised of Dragados USA Inc. and OHL USA Inc., as offering the best value.

The next steps in the procurement process include finalizing contracts as PLTP advances efforts to secure required financing. MDOT MTA intends to return to the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) with the selected contractor, replacement design-build contract and amended P3 Agreement, which will include an updated project cost and schedule for completion.

Following anticipated BPW approval, commercial and financial close (i.e., agreement on financing and other commercial terms) is anticipated in February 2022. Next spring, MTS is expected to mobilize and resume full- scale construction of the Purple Line.

“We’re very excited to bring on MTS so the Purple Line can begin serving the people of Maryland as soon as possible,” said Jane Garvey, chairman, PLTP Board of Directors. “In their proposal, discussions and oral presentation, MTS showed they possess all the right qualities – thorough knowledge of the project, across-the- board expertise and a demonstrated spirit of partnership – to get the job done efficiently and with excellence.”

“I’m excited to partner with Maryland Transit Solutions to move full speed ahead with construction and delivery of this regionally important project,” said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “We have made a lot of progress in this interim period. Today’s news is one more step towards completion and one more step towards Marylanders riding on this critical transit connection. I want to thank everyone for their continued patience as we work hard to get the Purple Line back on track.”

While procurements of this magnitude can take 18 months to two years to complete, the replacement of the Purple Line contractor is on track to be completed in just over a year. The process began in January 2021 when PLTP issued a Request for Qualifications, followed in March by a short-listing of teams and issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP). During the summer and fall, PLTP and MDOT MTA held one-on-one discussions with proposal teams and refined the RFP. In October, PLTP received compliant and responsive proposals from MTS and a joint venture of Tutor-Perini and Lunda, while a third shortlisted team, Halmar International, opted not to submit a proposal.

“Working in lockstep with MDOT MTA, we’re heartened that our procurement effort attracted two quality bids and we thank Tutor-Perini/Lunda for their strong proposal,” Garvey said.

Dragados comes to the Purple Line with a great deal of fresh and relevant experience in delivering transit projects. Among their notable projects are the $2.4 billion Los Angeles International Airport Automated People Mover and three light rail projects in Canada with a combined value of $5.5 billion. Dragados was ranked sixth on Engineering News Record’s (ENR) 2020 Top Transportation Contractors List. OHL has more than a century of infrastructure construction experience and is ranked number 15 on ENR’s 2020 Top 50 Domestic Heavy Contractors List.

The Purple Line will be a 16-mile, 21-station light rail line providing rapid, convenient transit service between New Carrollton in Prince George’s County and Bethesda in Montgomery County. The east-west line will connect with five branches of Metrorail, three MARC commuter rail lines, Amtrak and a host of bus services. While supporting community revitalization and transit-oriented development, the Purple Line also will help reduce dependence on auto travel: Twenty years after service begins, the Purple Line is estimated to take 17,000 vehicles off the road daily, saving a projected one million gallons of gasoline annually (source: Final Environmental Impact Statement1).

Purple Line Transit Partners is headquartered in Riverdale Maryland and holds the Public-Private Partnership Agreement (P3 Agreement) with MDOT MTA to design, build, finance, and operate the Purple Line Light Rail Project. PLTP is comprised of majority partner Meridiam and Star America.

Meridiam, with $18 billion of assets under management and over 100 projects to date in the U.S., Latin America, Canada, Europe and Africa, is a leading public infrastructure developer, investor and manager committed to delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects that positively impact communities for the long-term. Star America, a subsidiary of Tikehau Capital, is a U.S.-headquartered developer and manager of infrastructure assets in North America with investments in projects that have a total asset value of more than $5 billion as of June 30, 2021.

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Shady Grove and Rockville Station Closures Extended into 2022

Construction Delays and unexpected railyard access needs have delayed the construction ongoing during the Shady Grove and Rockville Station Closures, forcing the project to be extended several months longer than expected.

Originally, the closure was expected to last until early December.

Constriction and material issues have posed a challenge to contractors replacing the Rockville Metro Canopy.

Additionally, the contractor was forced to demobilize portions of their work zone when Metro unexpectedly needed to move some railcars through the work zone, bringing them from the Shady Grove railyard into the rest of the system to be placed back into service.

Currently, the Shady Grove and Rockville Stations are predicted to reopen in mid-January.

 

 

 

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Metrorail Service Will Continue to Run at Reduced Levels Through at Least November 15th

Metrorail service will remain at the current reduced levels through at least November 15 as Metro continues to work with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission on a plan to get 7000-series railcars safely back into service.

Trains will continue operating every 15-20 minutes on the Red Line and every 30-40 minutes on all other lines. Silver Line service will continue to operate between Wiehle-Reston East and Federal Center SW only. Customers are encouraged, where it makes sense for them, to use Metrobus service as an alternative.

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.

As Metro continues to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and NTSB and more information develops, we will update the public about service.

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Metrorail Service & Derailment Investigation Update

Per Metro:

As we continue to address the needs of our customers impacted by current service delays, Metro appreciate the public’s understanding of the need to put safety first.

While Metro aims to provide service consistent with the announced basic service plan through the rest of the week, customers should anticipate trains every 15-20 minutes on the Red Line and every 30-40 minutes on all other lines to account for any unplanned disruptions. Silver Line trains will operate between Wiehle-Reston East and Federal Center SW only. There is currently no capacity to fill unforeseen gaps, which will result in longer wait times. Crews are working as quickly as possible to put more trains into service.

Due to the unplanned service disruptions this week, train times on Metro’s trip planner may not reflect the latest service schedule. Customers are 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.

As Metro continues to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and NTSB and more information develops, we will update the public about service.

More information on actions taken, and FAQ, available in the last update.

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