TRANSIT: D.C. subway system going back to automated ops following deadly crash

April 13, 2015

Metrorail officials sight 2009 Red Line crash as reason automation was abandoned until now

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced late last week that it would return to the use of automated train technology on its Red Line subway artery for the first time since the deadly crash in June 2009 that had initially spurred widespread changes to the transit agency, notably the updating of its corridors to accommodate more stringent technologic applications. 

Metrorail officials had been forced to put the system on hold, when investigators determined a computer error caused two trains to collide on the Red Line in 2009, killing nine people.

“The return of automatic train operation on the Red Line is a significant safety milestone for Metrorail,” Metro Deputy General Manager Rob Troup said in a statement. “I want to thank our riders for their forbearance through years of work, often on weekends, to allow us the track access necessary to perform essential signal upgrades.”

Metro officials said the automated train technology would be implemented on eight-car trains operating along its Red Line. The transit system’s other lines are not expected to be able to upgraded for automated trains until 2017. 

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.