Metrorail Service Will Remain Reduced As Metro Takes Trains Offline Over Safety Concerns

WASHINGTON, DC — Metrorail riders who experienced delays on Monday because the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority removed nearly 60 percent of its railcars due to safety concerns can expect more of the same for the rest of the week and beyond.

WMATA said Monday that reduced Metrorail would continue at least until Sunday, as federal inspectors continue their investigation of last Tuesday's derailment on the Blue Line in Virginia.

During a Monday morning news conference, Jennifer Homendy, chairwoman of the National Transportation and Safety Board, said inspectors discovered that last Tuesday's derailment was the third such occurrence experienced by that same train on that day.

NTSB also learned that WMATA was aware of deficiencies in the wheel axle assembly of its 7000 series railcars. Since 2017, 52 failures of those assembles have gone unreported by WMATA.

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

As a result of the NTSB's investigation, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission issued an order on Sunday for WMATA to pull all 7000 series railcars out of service, so that they could be inspected.

As of 5 a.m. on Monday, all 748 of Metro's 7000 series railcars — nearly 60 percent of the fleet— had been removed from service. WMATA said Monday those cars would not be returned to service until they'd been inspected and deemed safe.

Without those railcars, Metro operated with just 40 railcars on Monday, offering basic service only on all train lines. Customers can expect railcars departing every 30 minutes through the rest of the week. In addition, Silver Line trains will only run between the Wiehle-Reston East and Federal Center SW stations. Metro recommended that customers affected by this change use its Metrobus service instead.

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

“Safety remains Metro’s number one priority,” said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld, on Metro's website. “While we continue working hand-in-hand with the NTSB, FTA, and WMSC on the investigation, I want to assure our customers that their safety is driving every decision being made. We apologize for the reduced service, and ask for our customers’ continued patience and support as we work to get Metro back to normal operations. I want to thank Metro employees who are working around the clock. Your dedication is appreciated.”

Metro Board of Directors Chair Paul C. Smedberg said the board would be monitoring the investigation and take safety precautions when necessary.

“As a function of its oversight responsibility, the Board will take any actions necessary to ensure the safety of Metro’s customers and employees as the facts of the investigation develop," he said, on Metro's website.