Transit

Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman

From WMATA:

“Reconstruction of the Metrorail system will continue over the weekend of May 13-15 with service adjustments on all six lines. Trains will operate as follows:

Red Line trains will operate every 18 minutes.
Orange and Blue Line trains will operate every 20 minutes.
Silver Line trains will operate every 12 minutes between Wiehle-Reston East and Ballston only.
Yellow Line trains will operate every 24 minutes between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Sq only.
Green Line trains will operate every 24 minutes. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Clif Burns

Godspeed to those still fighting their way into work this morning.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

From WMATA:

“Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld today released SafeTrack, an expanded track work plan to improve Metrorail safety and restore service reliability.

Wiedefeld’s SafeTrack plan includes 15 “safety surges” over the next year that will accelerate maintenance on Metro’s rail system from the ballast up. By closing the system at midnight on weekends and expanding weekday maintenance opportunities, the plan addresses FTA and NTSB safety recommendations and deferred maintenance backlogs while restoring track infrastructure to good health.

SafeTrack accomplishes in one year, work that otherwise would take about three years to complete. (more…)

From WMATA:

“Red Line: Trains are temporarily bypassing Van Ness due to a power outage. Shuttle service is available between Cleveland Park & Tenleytown.”

But at least:

“Metro has restored rail service on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines between Eastern Market and L’Enfant Plaza following installation of new third-rail equipment at Federal Center SW Station during the overnight hours.

Two stations that were closed Thursday evening — Federal Center SW and Capitol South — have reopened as of Friday morning.”

photo by KMM

From WMATA:

“Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld in consultation with U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has ordered Federal Center SW remain closed for the remainder of today for a full third rail insulator replacement.

As a result, Metrorail service on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines will remain suspended between Eastern Market and L’Enfant Plaza stations. Capitol South Station also remains closed. Metrobus shuttle service is replacing trains between Eastern Market and L’Enfant Plaza stations.

Additionally, Silver Line trains are operating between Wiehle-Reston East and Ballston stations only.

Riders should consider alternate travel options (e.g. Red, Yellow or Green lines) and expect delays on the Silver, Orange and Blue lines.”

also:

“Capitol South, adjacent to Federal Center SW, will also remain closed for rest of day. Trains turn back at Eastern Market & L’Enfant. #wmata”

Photo by Chris

“Dear PoPville,

Thought id share this — Saw an ad for it on the metro today.

Can’t decide if this is a good idea or a totally wacky shot in the dark. Looks like applications closed but sharing regardless. Not surprised a better name wasn’t thought up… The program is named metro volunteer persons (MVP):

Do you have a great smile? Do you enjoy helping people? Here is your chance to put both together and assist others while giving back to your community.

Join our volunteer pilot program called Metro Volunteer Person (MVP). This unique opportunity will give you the chance to learn about Metro while helping customers and fellow riders. Volunteers should love interacting with people, love transit, of course, and be able to provide exceptional customer service. Volunteers will be standing near fare machines in select stations on Fridays from 3-6pm, to assist customers.

We will provide the training, attire and consistent rewards throughout the program.
– MVP branded attire to wear during each shift
– $20 per shift (automatically loaded to Smartrip card each month)
– Random drawings
– Annual recognition

Interested? Please fill out the application below. After you submit your application, Metro staff will review it and get back to you within two business days. If you are selected, we will send you a background check form to complete. Once your background check is approved by Metro (usually takes 10 days), we will provide dates for training classes. During the training, we will show you how to sign up for shifts. Once you have been trained, you are ready to work! We will give you the tools you need to be easily identified in the stations.

Please note, applications will be accepted up to April 30, 2016.

From WMATA:

“Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld today joined Chief Marc Bashoor, Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Fire Chiefs Committee, to announce a significant expansion of fire service coverage at Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center.

Beginning this June, a uniformed fire officer will be stationed at the “nerve center” of the Metrorail system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help coordinate emergency communication between Metro and first responders. (more…)