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10/31/2022
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced Oct. 25 its plan to return all 7000-series rail cars to passenger service was approved by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission.
On Oct. 19, the commission rejected the authority's initial return-to-service plan that was submitted Sept. 28, WMATA officials said in a press release. WMATA submitted a revised plan Oct. 20. Making up 60% of WMATA's rail fleet, the rail cars were suspended from service in October 2021 following a derailment.
There will be three phases in the return-to-service process, according to the plan.
During the first phase, WMATA will return up to eight 7000-series cars to passenger service per day. WMATA staff will also conduct daily single-service inspections. The second phase will introduce up to 20 7000-series rail-car consists to passenger service per day, with an additional 12 cars to be added on a metered basis throughout the phase.
The terms of the third phase have not yet been determined by WMATA and the commission, according to the plan.
The plan’s approval sets in motion the opening of the Silver Line extension, which will connect WMATA's system with Washington Dulles International Airport and Herndon and Loudoun counties in Virginia. The project includes 11.4 miles of extended track, six new stations and a new rail yard with a capacity for 168 rail cars. The line will open before Thanksgiving, WMATA officials estimate.
"With this approval and close collaboration on the Silver Line extension safety report, [we] will be able to set an opening date in the near future," said WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke.
The 7000-series fleet is sorely needed not only for the opening of the Silver Line, but also systemwide, WMATA officials said. For example, crowding has been a significant issue on WMATA's system since the 7000-series rail fleet was suspended.