In an effort to improve service, the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) increased the frequency of Red Line trains during rush hour after reintroducing more trains to service.
Starting Monday, Red Line trains began operating every eight minutes during peak rush hour periods of 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. The move will alleviate crowding during rush hour, but trains will continue to run every 10 minutes at all other times, WMATA said.
The improvements to the Red Line are among the first steps that WMATA has taken since 7000-series trains were removed from the tacks last year. The issues with the 7000-series trains, as well as reduced service because of the pandemic, have decimated the number of Metro trains in service in recent years.
Red Line service improvements come after WMATA released their plan in September on how they would reintroduce 7000-series railcars. Those trains were taken out of service roughly one year ago because their wheels kept spreading apart. Metro received approval to start bringing back more 7000-series train cars in late October after outlining an inspection plan for the cars, analyzing and submitting data on them and limiting where the older 7000-series cars can run.
In addition to the absence of the 7000-series railcars, Metro has also been grappling with an industry-wide shortage of rail and bus operators. Commuters could see improved service as the agency combats those staff shortages, WMATA said.
Gradual service improvements on all Metro lines are anticipated in winter 2022 and spring 2023, WMATA said.
