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12/13/2024
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) yesterday announced it will begin operating Metrorail trains in automatic mode for the first time in 15 years.
Automatic train operation (ATO) controls the trains' acceleration, deceleration and speed while being regulated by safety critical equipment. Trains will receive signal and speed commands from equipment located between the tracks for a smoother ride, enhanced safety and improved on-time performance, WMATA officials said in a press release.
The first phase of ATO rollout will start Dec. 15 on the Red Line. The rollout then will be extended to other lines in 2025.
“Our team’s commitment to returning to ATO implementation has been nothing short of amazing. With the Board of Director’s support and expert advice from our peers, we were able to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) to receive concurrence for this final step in the process," said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clark.
WMATA has been preparing those whose roles include operating, controlling and maintaining ATO for several months. The training was designed in coordination with WMATA's Safety and Readiness Department and reviewed by the WMSC.