Metrorail will continue to offer riders reduced service through at least October 31 due to the ongoing work to restore the rail system including the safe return of 7000-series railcars.
Basic rail service will be available every 15-20 minutes on the Red Line and every 30-40 minutes on all other lines until full service returns. Silver Line service only operates between Wiehle-Reston East and Federal Center SW.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) encourages customers to use Metrobus instead of trains whenever it is possible.
“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,” Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said in a release on October 22. “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.”
Reduced @Metrorailinfo service to continue next week https://t.co/VyApqtVAOl #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) October 22, 2021
The shortage on the Metrorail service stems from the withdrawal of all 748 railcars in the 7000-series fleet, which are currently being inspected by the manufacturer of the series, Kawasaki, and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission.
To make up for the shortage, WMATA is working to put 2000-series railcars from storage, as well as 6000-series railcars into service.
The transity agency cannot yet provide a certain date for the restoration of full service, but will notify commuters through MetroAlerts text or email messages, along with its Twitter account.