via Metro Transit Police
From Metro Transit Police:
“MTPD searching for suspect who hit & robbed a woman at Columbia Hgts Stn around 7 p.m. tonight. These crimes cannot be tolerated. Got a tip? DC Crime Solvers offering up to $1K reward for info leading to arrest/indictment.”
“NEW PICS (more…)
“new wmata fare chart. this one at Farragut North has the silver line extension on it.” photo by Austin.
From WMATA:
“Date for opening now rests with Safety Commission concurrence on both Silver Line certification and new 7K Return to Service Plan
After successfully completing two weeks of simulated service, Metro leaders said today that they will be able to open the extension to Dulles Airport Station in time for the start of busy Thanksgiving travel, subject to approvals this week from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) of two submissions — a data-driven Return to Service Plan for 7000-series railcars, and a safety certification report of the Silver Line extension.
“We committed for the Silver Line extension to being operationally ready for the Silver Line extension in October, and we have met our deadline,” said General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “Since control of the extension was turned over to Metro, we and our partners at the Airports Authority, Fairfax, and Loudoun have worked diligently to complete all of the steps needed for Metro to offer safe and reliable service for rail travel to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County, and we are just awaiting concurrence from our Safety Commission partners.”
Metro took custody and control of the extension from the Airports Authority on June 23 and is finalizing its safety certification report to WMSC this week. WMSC has worked alongside Metro for months and has stated that it expects to add their concurrence to Metro’s within hours or days after receiving the report from Metro’s Chief Safety Officer. Metro does not view the final Silver Line safety certification report as a barrier to preparing for the opening of passenger service before Thanksgiving holiday travel.
More Trains Needed to Open
Last month, Metro’s senior safety and operations officials expressed safety concerns about moving cars from other crowded lines for new service, and that more trains were needed to support the extension. Unfortunately, WMSC notified Metro Monday afternoon that it objects to Metro’s new (phase three) Return to Service Plan for the 7000-series rail cars, following Metro’s submission of additional data analysis Friday. (The plan was first submitted on September 28 and was not approved citing “lack of data” to support changing multiple variables at once).
The latest rejection letter continues confusing direction provided to Metro: (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
I know the Metrorail Ridership Survey supposedly started back in August, but I have not seen ANY staff handing out surveys at “various stations” as they claimed they would be. (more…)
Thanks to Benjamin for sending. It’s really happening. Stay tuned for an exact opening date.
From WMATA:
“Metro has a message for fare evaders: operating buses and trains isn’t free. Customers riding Metrobus and Metrorail are required to pay fares and will be warned accordingly. Starting Oct.4 your Metro will begin a warning campaign to alert people who neglect to pay fares that there are fines associated with fare evasion in each jurisdiction.
The warning campaign will begin with notices displayed on digital signs throughout the system. After the digital signs run for two weeks, Metro Transit Police (MTPD) officers and other Metro personnel will start distributing physical fliers to fare evaders with the same warning information. (more…)
I mean I’m not a structural engineer but… (more…)
photo from March 2022 by airbus777
From WMATA:
“Metro is extending the closure of six stations south of Reagan National Airport due to unexpected site conditions and remediation efforts for the future Potomac Yard Station. The announcement today comes three weeks before stations were scheduled to reopen to give our customers time to plan their trips accordingly.
Work to tie-in new tracks to the station, which was slated to conclude on Saturday, Oct. 22, will now end on Saturday, Nov. 5. (more…)
Thanks to Dylan for sending: “It looks like they slapped a new-ish address sign outside the Capitol South Metro entrance that lists the address as SW vice SE.”
From WMATA:
“Metrorail’s iconic map is getting an update with the addition of the six new Silver Line stations. Beginning today, you’ll start to see new maps rolling out in stations, trains and transit centers, featuring Reston Town Center, Herndon, Innovation Center, Washington Dulles International Airport, Loudoun Gateway and Ashburn. Also on the new map, Potomac Yard Station is shown as a future station. (more…)
photo by Victoria Pickering
From WMATA:
“Metro is “Working Differently” to launch several public safety initiatives that will strengthen and support customer safety and community service for those who use our transit system.
Metro Transit Police (MTPD) have strategically increased officer availability to be more visible throughout the Metrobus and Metrorail system to offer customers additional support. Officers are riding trains and buses in intervals throughout the day as part of the new safety patrol operation “HelpingHands.”
“We’ve been listening to customers over the past two months, and it’s clear that a better, safer customer experience is paramount to rebuilding ridership and customer trust,” said GM and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “The steps we are taking are part of a larger framework that enhances the work MTPD is already implementing to improve Metro daily.”
In the coming months, Metro will hire several Crisis Intervention Specialists trained in mental health awareness and de-escalation methods. They’ll be paired with an MTPD officer or Operating staff to respond to customers with mental health disorders, intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Since the pandemic, MTPD has seen a 40 percent increase in people in need of mental health assistance. (more…)