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If you've been waiting for the Metro schedule to go back to normal...we have some bad news. You'll be waiting even longer.
WMATA has announced that the Metro will continue to run on their reduced schedule through November 15 due to the temporary removal of the 7000 series trains from the tracks (which equates to approx. 60% of the fleet). Expect trains to arrive every 30-40 minutes on all lines except for the red, which will host trains every 15-20 minutes.
There are currently 31 operating trains and WMATA officials are trying to increase that number to 50 to help with the slowdown.
“It has been a difficult few weeks for those who rely on transit in the region, and we thank our customers for their continued patience as we work to increase service as quickly as we can with safety being our top priority,” said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We’ve completed inspections of every 7000-series railcar, over 3,000 axles in all, and are now working with the WMSC on a testing plan that will allow the trains to safely return to service. We will continue to provide regular updates to our customers and the public as more is known about a timeline for full service restoration.”
The newer models were pulled from service on Oct. 18 when a train derailed on the Blue Line near the Arlington Cemetery stop.