Metro greenlighted to return more trains to service

Statements from Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg and Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke

“Metro leaders welcomed the concurrence today of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission to gradually return all 7000-series railcars to passenger service,” said Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “This is a win for customers, and we are grateful to Senators Warner and Kaine for their leadership to reach an agreement that will safely return more 7Ks to service.”

“With this approval and close collaboration on the Silver Line extension safety report, Metro will be able to set an opening date in the near future,” said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “I want to thank the Safety Commission for their collaboration on reaching this important safety milestone, so we have a clear path forward.”

The revised railcar return to service plan allows Metro to place more 7Ks into passenger service. The increased availability of 7Ks will support opening the Silver Line extension before Thanksgiving and reduce crowding on the Red Line. The plan identifies specific timeframes and well-defined steps for Metro to return all trains for safe, reliable passenger service.

Since Metro began its industry-leading inspection process in June, 694 rail cars have been inspected more than 72,000 times and have operated safely over 3 million miles.