Most of WMATA Metrorail service returns after Sept. 29 derailment on Blue Line
Most of Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority’s (WMATA) Metrorail has returned to full service, even as WMATA continues to inspect the fleet’s 7000 series rail cars after a train derailment occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Sept. 29 on the Blue Line. WMATA will operate service to all customers (every six to 12 minutes from end-of-line stations). Blue and Yellow line trains will depart every 15 minutes while work continues to repair tracks damaged in the derailment.
Track repairs are proceeding around the clock to replace components of the damaged tracks at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. All 43 passengers on board the train that derailed were not injured.
While the investigation into the derailment continues, WMATA found the wheel measurements on the 7000 series train were consistent with its specifications and there were no apparent track or infrastructure defects, as a preliminary matter. WMATA investigators, who are coordinating with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, continue to focus on a disc brake that came loose from a train ahead as a causal factor.
Following an order from WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke on Sept. 30 to remove all 2000 and 3000 series railcars from service, mechanical teams have inspected 102 cars and identified 32 with non-conforming bolts.
“We continue to act quickly on information as it develops to ensure safe and reliable train operations for our customers and employees,” Clarke said. “I am proud of the team for delivering solid service while tackling this challenge with our 35-year-old equipment.”
The 2000 and 3000 series cars, built in the mid-1980s, are reaching the end of their useful life and are scheduled to be replaced by new 8000 series railcars.
This is not the first time a 7000 series railcar has derailed on the Blue Line. After a derailment occurred in 2021, it took nearly 17 months for the cars to return to full service.
