FTA calls on WMATA to address barrier safety on 7000-series railcars

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a letter to WMATA stating the rubber-style between car barriers on the WMATA Metrorail 7000-series railcars do not provide adequate warning for passengers with visual impairments and create an unsafe condition that poses a substantial risk of death or personal injury. 

Accordingly, FTA is requiring WMATA to take immediate actions to mitigate the risk to its Metrorail passengers, including submitting work plans to the FTA within five business days (June 29, 2018) that demonstrate how it will expedite installation by no later than Dec. 31, 2018, of the chain-style between car barriers on the 7000-series cars that are used on its other railcars. 

To view a copy of the letter, click here.