The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced concurrence from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WSMC) that allows the agency to move to the final phase of its 7000-series Return-to-Service Plan. Under the new plan details, the operations team will implement a 15-day manual measurement interval with a path to progress to a longer measurement period in the future.

The new 15-day process comes as a result of data analysis combined with operational considerations that will make more trains available to meet the May 7 service schedule, which coincides with the return of the Yellow Line and allows for the training of additional rail operators.

"This is good news for Metro customers. The WMSC’s concurrence on the 15-day plan means more 7000-series cars are available for more frequent and reliable service,” said Chief Safety and Readiness Officer Theresa M. Impastato. “This final phase of our Return-to-Service plan is built upon nearly a year of continuous refinement of our measurement process and makes more of our 7000-series fleet accessible to provide service throughout the region."

WMATA continues to work collaboratively with the WMSC to advance use of the Automated Wayside (Drive-Thru) Inspection System and increase the wheelset interference fit and press tonnage plan, both of which will require Safety Certification and separate concurrence from the WMSC.