Metrorail Riders Can Expect To Wait 15-40 Minutes Between Trains This Weekend

WASHINGTON, DC — Metrorail riders can expect more delays this weekend and at least through Oct. 31 as the transit system continues to operate at a reduced levels of service.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) instituted reduced service on Monday morning after it had been ordered to remove 748 trains — nearly 60 percent of its fleet — from service due to safety concerns.

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) issued the order Sunday after an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed defects in one of the railcars involved in the Oct. 13 derailment on Metro's Blue Line in Virginia.

A preliminary investigation by NTSB determined the that the 7000 series railcar that had derailed had done so due to a problem with its wheel axle assembly.

On Friday, WMATA said it was continuing to finalize its plans in cooperation with federal investigators to inspect the 7000-series railcars in order to return them to service safely. For this reason, it said reduced service would continue at least until Oct. 31.

“We understand it has been a difficult week for people who depend on Metro in the region, and acknowledge the challenges our customers are experiencing,” said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld, in a release. “We are working as quickly and safely as possible to inspect every wheel on the 7000-series railcars and it’s important to get that right.”

To address the current railcar shortage, Metro is working to put more trains into service, including adding some 6000-series trains undergoing maintenance and 2000-series trains from storage. Metro is also working on plans and processes not only to return the trains safely to service but also to determine often to inspect their wheel alignment.

Working with WMSC and railcar manufacturer Kawasaki, Metro has inspected all but about 100 of the 7000-series cars in its fleet.

Over the weekend, riders should anticipate wait times of 15-20 minutes on the Red Line and 30-40 minutes on all other lines barring unplanned disruptions.

Metrorail will be operating from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. In addition, service will only be provided at 88 of the 91 stations in the system this weekend.

In Virginia, the Wiehle-Reston East Station will be closed to allow for Silver Line Phase 2 tie-in work. In Maryland the Shady Grove and Rockville stations on the Red Line will be closed as part of Metro's ongoing Canopy Replacement Project. Free shuttle bus service will be available at the closed stations to take riders to open stations further down the line.

Related: 60% Of Metro's Fleet Removed From Service Over Safety Concerns

Related: Blue Line Train Had Derailed Twice Before On The Same Day: NTSB

Investigators found that the railcar had derailed twice before on the same day and discovered similar defects in other 7000 series railcars in Metro's fleet. This led to WMATA pulling all 7000 series trains out of service by 5 a.m. on Monday so that they could be inspected.

During its investigation, NTSB learned that WMATA was aware of the problem with the 7000 series railcars and had not reported 52 similar incidents dating back to 2017.

Metro Service Adjustments For Saturday and Sunday

Red Line

• Trains will operate every 15-20 minutes
• Shady Grove and Rockville stations will be closed due to the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project. Trains will operate between Twinbrook and Glenmont only and free shuttle bus service will be provided between Shady Grove, Rockville and Twinbrook every 10 minutes.

Blue Line

• Trains will operate every 30-40 minutes.
• Trains will be single-tracking between National Airport and Braddock Road stations due Potomac Yard Station construction.

Orange Line

• Trains will operate every 30-40 minutes

Silver Line

• Trains will operate every 30-40 minutes.
• Wiehle-Reston East Station will be closed due to Silver Line Phase 2 tie-in work. Free shuttle buses will be available.
• Silver Line trains will only operate between the Spring Hill and Ballston stations.

Yellow Line

• Trains will operate every 30-40 minutes.
• Trains will be single-tracking between National Airport and Braddock Road stations due Potomac Yard Station construction.

Green Line

• Trains will operate every 30-40 minutes.