Thread by @MetroReasons

THREAD: This is a new thread for day 8 of the Blue Line derailment + effects. Days 1-7 can be found in the prior thread: #wmata

Where we stand: the 7000-series railcars remain out of service due to a potential defect apparently known since at least 2017. #wmata needs to submit a plan of action to the WMSC for approval before they can come back in service.
ggwash.org/view/82822/whe…

Point of clarification: wheel assembly inspection failures - 31 incidents between 2017 and 2021, and 21 found since Friday - are counted by axle, not by railcar. Each railcar has 4 axles split between two truck assemblies (748 railcars, 2992 axles)

#wmata

(Source for prior tweet: NTSB spokesperson)

Eastbound Silver Line trains have departed Wiehle towards Largo this morning at: 5:44a, 6:30a, 7:00a, and 7:30a, so this 98-minute gap isn't quite correct. #wmata

Looks like #wmata use of the "01" destination code for Silver Line trains (there's no destination code for Federal Center SW) is messing with MetroHero this morning.

8:45a #wmata status: there be delays. Trains are running at minimum every 30 minutes, and additional delays have been reported as well. Not every train scheduled to run is; the agency is having a hard time supplying even this reduced level of service.

#wmata FTA statement

If you don't want to scroll through dozens of tweets, here's the summary from my Derailment Thread 1: #wmata

#wmata

A nice roundup of how #wmata's decision to remove most of its rail fleet from service for safety has impacted riders trying to use the system to get to where they need to be.

Metro says delays will last at least through Sunday.

The #wmata rail fleet is hurting:

2000's: being brought out of cold storage ASAP (takes time to get cars inspected, fixed up, ready again for service)
3000's: the current fleet workhorse
6000's: 16 are in service. Adds require WMSC signoff
7000's: ❌

"customers should anticipate trains every 15-20 minutes on the Red Line and every 30-40 minutes on all other lines"

#wmata

#WMATA appears to have met its minimum goal of railcars for this morning's rush. Trains are running "on time"

Plus, the GTFS schedule data has been updated.

#WMATA

It's unclear with what operators Metro would run significantly enhanced service; the agency is already short on front-line staff.

#wmata

"#WMATA should work with regional leaders to increase bus lane capacity where it is needed.*

The #wmata Board is hiring safety consultants to advise it re the Blue line derailment.

"Areas of focus will include safety reporting, communications, inspections, roles and responsibilities, regulatory requirements, hazard identification..." and more.

#wmata 7000-series railcars, in fact, did come with warranties covering various components onboard. I don't know that this specific issue and part would be covered under one, though.

#WMATA spox says the agency expects to have 16 6000-series railcars in service tomorrow and 18 2000-series. They hope additional will be back next week (if needed) to provide better service.
Some of those are already back today:

The 2Ks were mothballed due the pandemic's lower number of railcars needed for service. Undoing that decision isn't liked flipping a switch, but Metro is working to make more available. From a draft of an upcoming post:
#wmata

Metro has some data to answer this question, but it's up to the WMSC to verify and approve that agency's plan (and their calculations) before the 7Ks can return to service.

#wmata

#WMATA

Still strange seeing 30-minute headways, but #wmata Metrorail is operating generally "on schedule" during this unprecedented time. We don't know when the 7Ks might be back but Metro is working on getting more 2Ks and 6Ks available to be able to bump service up.

I do not get press invites to these things, so follow Jordan for updates from the #wmata GM & Board press conference.

No changes in #wmata rail service next week. Reduced headways remain.
15min on the Red Line, 30 on all others.

#wmata

#wmata

Former #wmata federally-appointed Board member Robert Lauby (FRA Chief Safety Officer) was sidelined when the Board alternates were restricted from some aspects of their roles (part of dedicated funding agreement)
He's now a WMSC commissioner.

Anyway:
#wmata

I have had sources question the accuracy of the inspections performed; wheels on the newer 7Ks built after the specification change have apparently failed a first inspection, but passed when inspected again, so it's hard to say.

#wmata

Indeed. Part of the plan #wmata needs to present to the WMSC for approval is an inspection frequency that reliably catches the issue before it becomes a problem.

ICYMI, my deep dive into a possibly factor in last week's derailments: some of the wheels weren't pressed onto the axles at a high enough pressure as may have been needed. The NTSB's investigation continues and the #WMATA 7Ks remain grounded. ggwash.org/view/82871/the…

Metro says they have a few more cars available for service (before discounting those out for rehab, etc) than when I last checked: #wmata

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