Red Line platform way more full today as trains run every 30 minutes. Be sure to check for train arrival times before you leave the house today. 
Metro isn’t even holding to 30 min headways on Red Line. Last train rolled through here 47 mins ago, according to @dcmetrohero.
Some grumbling among people on the platform. But I’m surprised more people don’t talk to each other during delays like this.
Some grumbling among people on the platform. But I’m surprised more people don’t talk to each other during delays like this.
One woman said she’s been waiting on a bench for an hour. She’s way late to work. Others are saying not everyone will fit on the six-car trains. Which, yeah.
Huge mess this morning.
Huge mess this morning.
Sign of life?
Nervously waiting to see how full this Twinbrook-bound Red Line train will be just five stations into its route at Takoma.
There’s enough people on the platform to fill a six-car train by ourselves.
There’s enough people on the platform to fill a six-car train by ourselves.
Very little communication from Metro on the platform besides automated announcements.
A station manager should be actively recommending alternatives at this point with this level of crowding.
A station manager should be actively recommending alternatives at this point with this level of crowding.
Expect standing room only at best on trains during peak periods (and maybe even non-peak periods today).
This was the first train in an hour here at Takoma.
This was the first train in an hour here at Takoma.
Built in 1.5 hours (2x than it normally takes) to get to @NTSB_Newsroom presser and that may not even be enough time.
Press conference is on derailment issue that forced all these trains out of service in the first place.
Press conference is on derailment issue that forced all these trains out of service in the first place.
https://twitter.com/NTSB_Newsroom/status/1449895504037433348
A lot less full on this Huntington-bound Yellow Line train at Fort Totten.
Crush of folks at L’Enfant Plaza.
Made it with minutes to spare. What should’ve taken 45 mins took 90 mins.
NTSB going over basics of the derailment from last week then will take questions.
NTSB said train 407 may have had other minor derailments and re-railments throughout that day
dcist.com/story/21/10/12…
NTSB said train 407 may have had other minor derailments and re-railments throughout that day
dcist.com/story/21/10/12…
Investigators found broken pieces of brake discs at Largo and other pieces near Rosslyn.
Investigators say derailment happened near a switch near Rosslyn where they found damage and brake disc parts.
Wheels had moved outboard (farther apart) on the axle. When it hit the switches, that caused problems and the derailments.
NEW: NTSB says Metro has known about wheel set issues since 2017.
Investigators say preliminarily Metro told them about 2 failures in 2017 and 2018, 4 in 2019, 5 in 2020, 18 in 2021.
Inspections found even more issues. 20+ more cars had them.
Investigators say preliminarily Metro told them about 2 failures in 2017 and 2018, 4 in 2019, 5 in 2020, 18 in 2021.
Inspections found even more issues. 20+ more cars had them.
NTSB says @MetrorailSafety chose to remove all 7000-series cars because of the issues.
NTSB says they’re concerned about other transit agencies in the US that have Kawasaki made cars. 7000-series made in Lincoln, Nebraska.
NTSB said it was lucky no one was killed or injured. “Could’ve resulted in catastrophic event.”
NTSB said it was lucky no one was killed or injured. “Could’ve resulted in catastrophic event.”
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy says she understands people rely on Metro but safety has to be taken seriously. Refers to @MetrorailSafety which will make call about returning those to cars to service
Investigators say the “failures” mean inspections found the wheels were out of an allowable distance.
NTSB says third rail was damaged in the derailment and it could’ve turned into a catastrophic incident if a fire had started.
NTSB says it stands behind WMSC removing trains. Appreciate they take safety seriously and made the move while they still didn’t know extent of the issue.
Just looking at other Kawasaki-made rail vehicles at we've got some at @VaRailXpress, @mtamaryland, MBTA, SEPTA, MTA, LIRR, PATH and more.
NTSB encouraging transit agencies to check for similar issues with wheel width on axles.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_…
NTSB encouraging transit agencies to check for similar issues with wheel width on axles.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_…
Asked @MetrorailSafety if 7000-series trains could be put back into service one by one or if it will be all at the same time.
They said Metro needs to come up with a plan, but they haven't gotten that from WMATA yet.
So TBD on how long these service impacts could last.
They said Metro needs to come up with a plan, but they haven't gotten that from WMATA yet.
So TBD on how long these service impacts could last.
A New York MTA spokesperson says its trains manufactured by Kawasaki use different axles.
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