Transit

“walk through the Metro tunnel to the Petworth station.”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Thanks to Kevin for sharing:

“I was on the train traveling between the Columbia Heights and Petworth. The power went out and we had to walk through the tunnel to the Petworth station. The evacuation took about two hours.”

Power has been restored and metro tweets this morning…:

“As of 8am, Metrorail ridership is a bit LIGHTER than a typical weekday. Down ~14% vs same time last Wed. 109K trips taken so far. #wmata”

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Another reader sends more photos:

“My wife was on the train. Her take: “Firemen evacuated my Green Line train. Excellent response and handled better than I expected. Plus got to see metro’s guts” She says the train was about 700 feet from the platform (she saw a “700 ft to station” marker).”

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Major Fire Department Response at the Petworth Metro – Station without Power

By Prince Of Petworth

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Update:

“Power has been restored in the Metro stations which had been affected by a power outage. Yellow Line and Green Line service have now been fully restored.”

“GR/YL (1/2): Preliminary investigation: Problem appears to be related to a “remote terminal unit” that failed IAO Georgia Ave Sta. #wmata”

“GR/YL (2/2): RTUs allow ROCC to remotely control various systems, incl power. Personnel will remain on scene to ensure reliability #wmata”

“Green/Yellow: Train service has been fully restored following earlier power loss. Columbia Heights & Georgia Ave stations reopening.” (more…)

Meeting Thursday to address “concerns about the 92 Bus going down 13th Street”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Istvan Kerekes

A reader requests:

“a notice about the the ANC Transportation Committee Meeting which is going to be on Thursday, September 24, 7pm, Thurgood Marshall Center (1816 12th Street NW)–

Representatives from WMATA/Metro will be there to address concerns about the 92 Bus going down 13th Street (between Florida and U Street) in order to restart its route at the U Street Metro. Many 13th Street residents have complained about the noise and vibrations from the bus travel (which has already damaged some homes) and the ANC is working with Metro to come up with route alternatives. Please come to the meeting to discuss/raise concerns with the ANC and Metro.”

Papal Metro Advisory – Heads Up Brookland – Also More Emergency No Parking

By Prince Of Petworth

papal advisory
Photo by PoPville flickr user Elvert Barnes

From WMATA:

“Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015

Hours: Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight.
Fares: Normal weekday fare policies in effect.
All Metrorail stations will be open; however, selected station entrances may be closed due to security needs.
Regular rush hour train service during the AM and PM commute.
Additional train service during midday and late evening hours. There will be no scheduled track work on any rail line, and trains will run at near rush-hour service levels during midday and late evening hours to provide additional capacity for riders. Riders should note that it is not possible to add trains or cars during rush hours, as every available car is already being used for service. As a result, the system is expected to be extremely crowded during the traditional rush hour periods
Metrobus will operate on a regular weekday schedule, including all DC public school trips. Riders should expect detours and delays on all routes serving Downtown DC.
MetroAccess will operate on a regular schedule with detours, delays and service adjustments as a result of Papal events and associated road closures. MetroAccess customers should allow extra time due to increased traffic if traveling during the Papal visit. Door-to-door service may be limited near Papal events. To cancel a non-essential trip, call 301-562-5360 or visit wmata.com/metroaccess. For updated service information, sign up for MetroAlerts email and text messages at wmata.com/metroalerts.

Brookland Station

To support the expected 25,000 guests arriving for Mass at the Basilica on Wednesday afternoon, Brookland Station may be designated “exit only” prior to the event and “entry only” following the event (exact times TBD)
Due to capacity issues at Brookland Station, riders may wish to consider using two adjacent stations: Rhode Island Avenue and Fort Totten. Rhode Island Avenue is about a 1 mile (20 minute) walk to Brookland; Fort Totten is about 2 miles (35 minutes) away. DC Circulator will offer limited bus service between the stations and the event (fare $1 each way).

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015

Hours: Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight.
Fares: Normal weekday fares in effect.
Parking: Regular rates apply at all Metro-operated facilities.
Stations: All Metrorail stations will be open; however, selected station entrances may be closed due to security needs.
Regular rush hour train service during the AM and PM commute.
Additional train service during midday hours. There will be no scheduled track work on any rail line, and trains will run at near rush-hour service levels during midday hours to provide additional capacity for riders. Riders should note that it is not possible to add trains or cars during rush hours, as every available car is already being used for service. As a result, the system is expected to be extremely crowded during the traditional rush hour periods.
Metrobus will operate on a regular weekday schedule, including all DC public school trips. Expect detours and delays on all routes that travel near the U.S. Capitol (morning event) and Gallery Place (afternoon event).”

and

“In honor of the Papal visit, Metro will offer a limited-edition SmarTrip® commemorative sleeve to anyone purchasing a SmarTrip® card at Metro Sales Offices starting Monday. The protective sleeve features a prominent picture of Pope Francis, marking his three-day visit to Washington, D.C. Tuesday, September 22, through Thursday, September 24.”

Ed. Note on the sleeve – weak!!!

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Thanks to Victoria for sending what was mentioned in this morning’s rant/revel:

“Papal parking restrictions. Irving St. And Columbia road NW between 14th and Sherman Ave.”

Prepare for a slow Afternoon Commute on the Orange/Silver/Blue Lines

By Prince Of Petworth

Update from WMATA:

“Metro has restored rail service on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines in the area of Stadium-Armory following a transformer fire this morning at a Metro power substation near Stadium-Armory Station. Trains on the three affected lines are now operating on their normal routes (Orange Line between Vienna and New Carrollton, Blue Line between Franconia-Springfield and Largo, Silver Line between Wiehle-Reston and Largo). Riders may experience residual delays as service ramps up to rush-hour service levels. Stadium-Armory Station has reopened.

The restoration of service follows the successful reconfiguration of power to “feed” electricity to the area of Stadium-Armory from the adjacent substations, located at Potomac Avenue and Deanwood. The power substation at Stadium-Armory remains offline. Until normal power conditions are restored, trains will operate at lower speeds through the area to reduce power draw.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire. The cause remains under investigation.”

From WMATA:

“As of 3 p.m., Metro crews are working to restore rail service on a portion of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines following a fire this morning at a power substation in the area of Stadium-Armory.

Train service was suspended following a report of smoke from the substation, located in the parking lot of RFK Stadium, that provides third-rail power to a section of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. All trains were moved out of the area, and there were no injuries.

The source of the smoke was determined to be a fire involving one of three transformers within the substation that converts commercial electricity from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for use by trains. Two other transformers at the facility appear to be unaffected; however, a full assessment will be made to determine any damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Currently, Metro personnel are reconfiguring power to “feed” electricity from two adjacent power substations — one at Potomac Avenue and one at Deanwood. Once the reconfuration is completed this evening, train service will be able to be restored. Trains will likely be required to operate at reduced speed through the area to minimize power draw.

Service Information

Metro is advising riders on the Orange, Blue and Silver line of service impacts that will likely affect this evening’s commute. Service is operating as follows:

• Orange Line: Trains are operating between Eastern Market and Vienna and between New Carrollton and Minnesota Avenue. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Buses are replacing trains between Minnesota Avenue and Eastern Market, making all intermediate station stops.
• Blue Line: Trains are operating between Eastern Market and Franconia-Springfield and between Largo Town Center and Benning Road. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Buses are replacing trains between Benning Road and Eastern Market, making all intermediate station stops.
• Silver Line: Trains are operating only between Wiehle-Reston East and East Falls Church. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Riders traveling outbound to Virginia from DC should use an Orange Line train and transfer at East Falls Church to continue their trip.
• Yellow, Green and Red line service is unaffected by this disruption.”

As of 10am Stadium-Armory Metro Station Remains Closed Due to “smoke coming from power substation”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Andrew Pasko-Reader

Not a good Monday morning commute for many. Latest from Metro Transit Police:

“Stadium update 5: As of 10a, DCFD & MTPD remain o/s Stadium with smoke coming from power substation. Effort to mitigate continues. #wmata”

Previously metro tweeted:

“OR/SV/BL passengers expect delays in both directions, FD activity at Stadium-Armory, station is temporarily closed. 9:08a #wmata”

Weekend Track Work – “Red, Blue and Yellow line trains will operate every 24 minutes”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Andrew Pasko-Reader

From WMATA:

“Reconstruction of the Metrorail system will continue over the weekend of September 18-20 with service adjustments on three of six lines beginning at 10 p.m. Friday and continuing through system closing on Sunday.

This weekend, Orange, Silver and Green line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals. Red, Blue and Yellow line trains will operate every 24 minutes.

Early Opening Sunday morning for the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon
Metrorail will open at 6 a.m. on Sunday, September 20 for customers traveling to the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon. The closest Metro stop to the start of the race is Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange/Silver lines).”

Heads Up Bus Riders – Meeting about proposed Metrobus service changes at Metro Headquarters Tonight

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Lorie Shaull

From WMATA:

“Metro is inviting customers to provide feedback on proposed service adjustments to selected Metrobus routes as part of a continuing effort to bring riders a Better Bus experience. The proposed changes are based on an analysis of on-time performance, ridership, service studies and cost efficiency.

A public hearing will be held September 17 to gather feedback, which will be provided to the WMATA Board of Directors to consider before a final plan is approved. Some changes may be implemented in early 2016. Riders can provide feedback through an online survey at wmata.com/betterbus.

Among the changes being considered are additions to service, route reductions or alterations, route eliminations, and changes to fare policy. A fare increase is not under consideration.

WHAT: Metrobus service changes public hearing
WHEN: Thursday September 17, 2015
TIME: Information Session – 6 p.m.
Public Hearing – 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Metro Headquarters
600 Fifth St NW

Proposed improvements to service: (more…)

“this reminds me of when a doctor leaves a sponge in the patient’s body…”

By Prince Of Petworth

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A reader reports:

“On Sunday, I saw an orange rubber cone was stuck on the tracks at the U Street metro (going in the direction of Branch Avenue). I’ve attached a picture. On Sunday (9/13) at 6:30pm, I reported the cone to the station manager because I was worried that it would catch fire or get a train jammed. It’s now Tuesday and the orange cone is still there in the tracks. The attached picture was taken 10 mins ago. For some reason, this reminds me of when a doctor leaves a sponge in the patient’s body…. The metro repair workers just left a big orange cone laying in the middle of the train tracks! If nothing else, it’s symptomatic of a lack of care and irresponsibility.”

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