Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) declared on Tuesday that it withdrew over 200 rail cars in order to identify the cause of a door malfunction that reportedly occurred on the Orange Line a few days ago. Another announcement coming from Metro on Monday stated that the Yellow Line will extend to Greenbelt on May 25.
The temporary removal of 3000-series cars means a 15 percent reduction in the total number of cars, which is expected to cause long waiting hours for commuters.
More six-car trains will be running, instead of eight-car trains, because of the new situation, according to a message tweeted by Metro. It also said that Grosvenor turnbacks have been resumed, making 32 more cars available, while apologizing for inconvenience.
Metro overnight temporarily removed all 3000-series cars from service after we received a report of a door malfunction for which we need to identify the cause. This voluntary safety action reduces the number of available rail cars by ~15%. #wmata (1/2)
— Metro (@wmata) May 21, 2019
As a result, you may notice more 6-car (vs 8-car) trains. We have also resumed Grosvenor turnbacks, making 32 addl cars available. Every effort will be made to keep normal train intervals. Apologies for any inconvenience. Your safety is our highest priority. #wmata (2/2)
— Metro (@wmata) May 21, 2019
In a press release on Monday, Metro announced that all Yellow Line trains will be running to Greenbelt from this Saturday, which is more than a month sooner than the scheduled date. The move comes as part of the WMATA Platform Improvement Project that will begin at six Yellow and Blue line stations south of Reagan National Airport.
The adjustment was initially planned to to take effect in July. Metro promises “to provide more reliable service between the airport station, downtown D.C. and points north during the summer shutdown.”
NEW START DATE: Metro to extend Yellow Line service to Greenbelt beginning May 25 #wmata https://t.co/5IvT8Khcpm
— Metro (@wmata) May 20, 2019
Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said “By making this change now, we can better serve our customers impacted by the summer-long closures. At the same time, customers on the Yellow and Green lines will benefit from the additional service a bit sooner than expected.”
The decision to extend the Yellow Line to Greenbelt was made in early 2019, following a simulation of rail service for the summer project. Metro determined during the simulation that it would reduce congestion and help operate normal service outside of the shutdown area.
Metro will also offer a large number of free shuttles to accommodate customers at all six of the closed stations.
Check out wmata.com/platforms for detailed information.
Some D.C. residents expressed their appreciation of the news on Twitter.
No more Gallery Place! Oh my God. No, I'm not crying. It's just raining on my face.
— Alexandra Blasgen (@ABinDC) May 21, 2019
YESSSSS FINALLY! NO MORE TRANSFERRING AT MT VERNON.
Or wait, was that the green line?
— James 🌶. Benson (@jimothybringus) May 20, 2019