DC Metro will continue to offer reduced rail service levels through December 31, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
The transit agency postponed the restoration of full rail service multiple times so far.
The delays are stemming from the removal of more than 700 railcars in the 7000-series fleet from the Metrorail.
The railcars have been inspected by Kawasaki, which manufactured the series, in collaboration with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission.
In late October, WMATA announced that the efforts to safely return the 7000-series fleet to service would last until at least November 15.
In addition, Metrorail is waiting for parts to be delivered for 6000-series railcars, which are facing global supply chain issues.
“As we get more parts, we will return more of the 6000-series railcars to service for our customers during December,” Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said in a statement. “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.”
Wiedefeld noted that WMATA officials are intentionally avoiding setting a timeline for the return of full service on Metrorail as their primary focus is safety.
Trains arrive every 10-12 minutes at around 75 percent of Metrorail stations, according to the agency.