photo by Erinn Shirley
From WMATA:
“Six months after launching Automatic Train Operation (ATO) on the Red Line, the entire Metrorail system will be operating in ATO starting Sunday, June 15, when the mode rolls out to the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
This development marks the first full return to ATO since 2009. The date was decided after rigorous internal training and testing and concurrence from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. Since the December 2024 implementation, there have been no safety issues or red signal violations for trains operating in ATO.
“This is a major milestone for Metro, and it has been a long time coming. I want to thank the team for their dedication and commitment to making this happen,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “This is a win for customers and staff who will experience safer, more reliable rides. Meanwhile, Metro is saving money as ATO is more cost efficient.”
Along with the return to ATO, Metro is also returning to the original speed of the system, up to 75 mph. Several outer portions of the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines will see speed increases from 55 mph to 65 or 75 mph in some stretches.”