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. (more…)
Thanks to G. for sending from Union Station. WMATA had reported problems at Wheaton and Glenmont but hopefully things back on track (intended!) soon. (more…)
photo by Mr.TinMD
From WMATA:
“Metro is reminding customers of a new systemwide banning policy taking effect this week.
The purpose of the banning policy is to prohibit a person who commits a sex crime or a sex-related crime, anyone who violates Metro’s Passenger Conduct Rule, or a person who commits any assault on a Metro employee, contractor, or customer from entering or using the Metro system, properties, or facilities for more than 24 hours.
Previously, MTPD could ban a person for up to 24 hours if they violated the passenger conduct rules in Metro’s Tariff, which includes abusive, unacceptable, or unsafe conduct.
Under the new policy, the banning period will apply as follows: (more…)
From WMATA:
“Today, Metro launched a new, faster, and easier way to pay fares called “Tap. Ride. Go.”
Customers can now simply tap a contactless credit or debit card with the contactless 
or mobile wallet/smartwatch virtual cards on rail station fare gates to pay for fares. SmarTrip cards (physical and mobile) will continue to be an option to pay for fares and parking.
Tap. Ride. Go. will be available for use on Metrobuses and at Metro parking facilities in the future. (more…)
From WMATA:
“On Saturday May 24 through Monday May 26, free shuttle buses will replace trains between Cheverly and Eastern Market on the Orange Line and Addison Road and Eastern Market on the Blue and Silver lines.
Potomac Avenue, Stadium-Armory, Benning Road, Minnesota Ave., Deanwood, and Capitol Heights stations will be closed as crews make repairs to aerial structures over the Anacostia River.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, Metrorail will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight. Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. MetroAccess customers may make a reservation to travel on the holiday; however, subscription trips will be canceled. Normal weekday fares will be in effect on the holiday.
Service Information (more…)
photo by Robert Lintott
Good news from WMATA:
“Automatic Train Operation (ATO) is coming to the Green and Yellow lines on Friday, May 23 after rigorous internal training and testing and concurrence from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission.
ATO controls a train’s acceleration, deceleration, and speed. Trains get signal and speed commands from equipment located between the tracks for a smoother ride, enhanced safety, and improved on-time performance. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
sharing a couple pics from the Cleveland Park metro station—a bit troubling when the rusty rebar is showing! (more…)
photo via Randy Clarke
WMATA GM’s Randy Clarke teases:
“ITT’S HAPPENING: Tap Ride and Go wmata staff testing underway (no it won’t work for you). Can’t wait to launch credit and debit card tap….stay tuned for more details later this month”
Farewell SmarTrip!?!
From WMATA:
“Today, Metro launched MetroPulse, a new mobile app that allows customers to plan trips, chat with customer service, report issues on the system, and more.
Features include: (more…)
photo by Tim Brown
From WMATA:
“On Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11, free shuttle buses will replace trains between Stadium-Armory and New Carrollton on the Orange Line.
New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood, and Minnesota Ave. stations will be closed as crews replace crossties.
Service Information (more…)